Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Albanese Labor Government is proud to invest $250,000 to support the 2025 Barunga Festival and its celebration of First Nations art, music, dance, sport and culture.
The festival is an important annual event held in the remote Northern Territory community of Barunga, on the lands of the Bagala clan of the Jawoyn people.
Barunga Festival holds a key place in Australian history as the home of the Barunga Statement, presented to then Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the festival in 1988.
The Barunga Statement was the result of years of discussion between Aboriginal leaders and the Australian Government, with Traditional Owners calling for recognition of Indigenous rights.
Barunga Festival is a celebration of the strength, resilience and pride of First Nations people, and the Albanese Government is honoured to contribute to its operation and success.
Festivals of this kind are crucial to promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous culture and play an important part in Target 16 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, ensuring that First Nations culture and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.
Around 4,000 people are expected to attend the 2025 Barunga Festival between June 6 - 9.
