Yuin people of the NSW South Coast will mark 20 years since the landmark return of Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks with a major cultural festival at Tilba Oval, Central Tilba, on Saturday 30 May.
The festival celebrates the handback of these culturally significant places to the Yuin people and two decades of joint management between the Biamanga and Gulaga Boards of Management and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks are places of deep cultural significance for the Yuin People and continue to be cared for through joint management arrangements that support cultural knowledge, conservation and community connection.
The festival is a chance for locals and visitors to come together, celebrate culture, and acknowledge the ongoing importance of these landscapes to the Yuin People and the broader community.
The free family-friendly event will take place from 10am to 4pm during National Reconciliation Week and bring together community, organisations and partners to participate in the festivities.
The program for the day will feature a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, cultural performances, live music, stalls, food, children's activities, photo exhibitions, question and answer session, and a film screening.
Biamanga Board of Management Chair Bunja Smith said:
"The Biamanga and Gulaga Cultural Festival is a chance for our community to come together on Country and mark 20 years since the handing back of these deeply significant places to their Traditional Owners.
"This anniversary is about honouring our Elders, sharing culture with the next generation and recognising the continuing connection of the Yuin People to Biamanga and Gulaga.
"We warmly invite locals and visitors to join us at Tilba Oval for a day of culture, reflection and celebration."
Gulaga Board of Management Chair Ros Field said:
"Gulaga and Biamanga hold deep cultural meaning for Yuin people, and this festival is an opportunity to share that significance with the broader community during National Reconciliation Week.
"The 20th anniversary is an important moment to reflect on what handback and joint management have meant for Traditional Owners, NPWS and the wider South Coast community.
"We encourage everyone to come along, take part in the day's activities and celebrate the strength of culture, community and connection to Country."
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Eurobodalla Area Manager, South Coast Branch Joanne Issaverdis said:
"NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is proud to work in partnership with the Biamanga and Gulaga Boards of Management to support the care, protection and celebration of these culturally significant national parks.
"Joint management recognises the enduring connection of Traditional Owners to Country and ensures cultural knowledge continues to guide how these landscapes are managed.
"This festival marks an important milestone and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate culture, connection and 20 years of partnership on the far South Coast."
