First Nations

While at BIGSOUND, immerse yourself in Goolwal Goolwal, our First Nations led program dedicated to elevating indigenous voices.

From keynotes and panels to showcase artists and pop-up events across BIGSOUND’s three days, Goolwal Goolwal highlights some of the great artists and creators in our First Nations community.

Make sure you visit Yutta Yutta-ba (House of First People) in Queens on Brunswick, a place for supporting, promoting, and celebrating First Nations music and culture – drop in for a cuppa and a yarn!

Elder in Residence + Advisory Group




We acknowledge the tremendous work of our Elder in Residence Uncle Kevin Starkey, in guiding us, and the invaluable support of the First Nations Conference & Festival Program Advisory Group, chaired by Cameron Costello (Quandamooka), Toni Janke (Wuthathi, Yadighana and Meriam) Deline Briscoe (Yalanji), Jungaji formerly Troy Brady (Gu Gu Yalanji), Dan Rennie (Larrakia, Yawuru), and Sue Ray (Gamilaraay).

#Wednesday Events

Christine Anu & Ziggy Ramo

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 9:30am

Yutta Yutta-ba

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 10:00am

Yutta Yutta-ba Stage

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 10:00am

Yarning Strong

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 11:00am

Goolwal Goolwal Feast

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 11:30am

Goolwal Garage

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 8:30pm

Goolwal Garden

Thu, 7 Sep 2023, 12:00am

#First Nations Artist Photography Service

Damm, you look GOOD, and you'll probably want to remember this! Freshen up your artist asset with a free mini professional photography session during BIGSOUND. A generous (but limited) number of sessions are available to First Nations artists. 

Meet us at the Artist Hub, thanks to Farley Ward and Stewart Munro. 

#BIGSOUND for YES

We at QMusic and BIGSOUND have made the decision to support the YES campaign in the upcoming referendum, in order to reflect our advocacy role within our state's music industry. We make this decision to show our support for recognition, reconciliation, and respect towards First Nation people.

To maintain and observe equity within the music industry that we love so dearly, we will continue to acknowledge, celebrate and support our First Nation artists, businesses, stakeholders and communities, and acknowledge the importance of recognising an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice into parliament.

We believe by listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community members, we can collectively make better decisions around the issues that affect them.

We recognise that each individual will have their own unique perspective around this issue and we respect everyone's right to their own opinion. We encourage open and respectful dialogue, and we welcome diverse viewpoints.

Our goal is to continue to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, regardless of background or perspective. Together, we strive to elevate and celebrate First Nations voices, and offer a platform to be heard.

#About the Artwork

The goowal goowal artwork is inspired by the raw talent we have in our communities, with the spirit of our ancestors felt in every vibration of our songs and dance. We are the links from the past into the present while our music carries us together to the future."

- Rachael Sarra