Garma Festival 2026 - Bukmak / Everybody

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‘Bukmak’ meaning ‘everybody’ in Yolŋu matha/language was the 2026 theme of Garma Festival, ‘an expression of unity and a celebration of the diversity of modern Australia’ shared by the Yothu Yindi Foundation.

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Returning with the volunteer team, it was an honor to reconnect with beautiful Country and kin - connecting with old friends and creating new connections, including Reconciliation Australia and their Multicultural leadership delegation.

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‘Garma’ means ‘two way learning’, an invitation to listen, learn and engage with each other, with open hearts and open minds. The four day festival showcases a diverse range of opportunities through miny’tji (art), manikay (song), buŋgul (dance), ceremony and conversations.

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Listening to talks in the Garrtjambal Auditorium (Key Forum), learning about the future of the Garma Institute at the Knowledge Centre, stories at the impressive stringy bark structure Dhäwu'mi Wäna (House of Stories), watching a set of rom-com ‘Proper Loved Up’ short films at the Bitja Wäŋa (Garma cinema) under the night sky including 24 y.o. Siena Mayutu Wurmarri Stubbs’ 'Maŋutji’ (Catching Eyes) made locally in Yolŋu matha, immersing yourself in the open air Gapaṉ art gallery and hands on cultural workshops with local Yolŋu people weaving pandanus, natural dyeing using local plants, spear making and seed and shell jewellery making. Going for a guided bush walk with the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation Rangers, hearing about Sky Country with the astronomy sessions, experience women’s healing and guided walks among the Yolŋu leader portraits. Enjoying the intimate sessions at the ghostnet structure Warraw', hearing the excited kids squealing at Bluey’s appearance (and episodes in Yolŋu matha!) and dancing your heart out at night to Baker Boy, Emma Donovan, Wild Honey and more!

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Then there are the ceremonies, powerful songlines sung, the energy and wisdom which is felt witnessing these in person remain with you. The Ancestral night bird Guwak, Morning Star, honouring the Prime Minister of Timor Leste and Pacific Islander delegates, Women’s milkarri opening Gapaṉ Gallery and the afternoon gatherings of buŋgul, a moment to come together each day. At the buŋgul grounds, watching the young ones move in rhythm, conviction and embodying the practice of countless generations, it is immensely moving and powerful to see that strong in culture, strong in people, strong in future!

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Returning, was special. The smell of the beautiful bush, the stunning stars, the feeling of returning, of Country, of community. I walked slower, intentionally. I listened, intentionally. I was present, intentionally. 'Re-lax-a-tion' as Yolŋu Elder Djapirri Mununggirritj speaks of.

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So to continue the ripple, I invite you to go intentionally through your day, engage with people intentionally, with open hearts and open minds. Let it be like ‘Garma’ a two-way learning process, not intending to be ‘right’ or pointing out what you deem ‘wrong’ but listen and learn a range of perspectives and just be. Seek to see each other’s humanity, compassionately care and welcome everybody, bukmak. Ma!

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‍Watch Garma highlights on SBS NITV

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Our Education Officer, Emily, volunteered at Garma Festival as an independent volunteer in July/August 2026 at Gulkula on Gumatj land of Yolŋu Country.