Listening, learning and bringing the experience home
In late July, representatives from Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and the Yinhawangka Foundation travelled to Gumatj Country in northeast Arnhem Land to attend Garma Festival 2026.
Over several days, the group had the opportunity to listen, learn and take part in conversations about culture, leadership, self-determination and the future of Aboriginal communities.
Garma also created space for reflection.
For Communications Coordinator Ashleigh Southam and General Manager – Corporate Services Tara Townsend, the experience offered different perspectives, but both returned with a deeper understanding of the importance of Aboriginal-led decision-making, connection to Country and the purpose behind the work happening at YAC.
Ashleigh’s Reflection
“It wasn’t just something I learnt — it was something I felt.”
I’ve been trying to put into words what Garma meant to me, and honestly, I’m still processing it.
One of the moments that will stay with me forever was joining the Buŋgul. Being invited to dance alongside so many others was incredibly special. It wasn’t just the dancing itself—it was the feeling of everyone moving together with purpose, culture and community. It was such a powerful experience, and one I’ll never forget.
The women’s healing experience on the final day also had a profound impact on me. Sitting in a place that has been reserved for women for generations, surrounded by four generations of women, felt incredibly grounding.
I chose to take part in the traditional bush medicine foot spa, and as I sat there listening to the sounds of Country, I found myself becoming unexpectedly emotional. I wasn’t thinking about anything in particular, but it felt like a genuine release. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe enough to simply be.
Throughout the festival, I was also struck by seeing children confidently speaking language, experiencing the art, listening to traditional singing and the sounds of the yidaki, and watching culture being shared so naturally between generations.
Before Garma, I understood colonisation and the Stolen Generations as part of Australia’s history. We’d all learnt about them growing up, but I don’t think I truly appreciated the depth of what was lost.
Seeing that connection to Country firsthand helped me understand that culture isn’t something separate from people’s lives—it is part of who they are. It made me realise that colonisation didn’t just take land; it disrupted people’s connection to Country, family, language and identity in ways that continue to be felt today.
That was probably my biggest takeaway from the week.
As someone who’s only been with YAC for a few months, Garma gave me a much deeper understanding of why the work we do matters.
It wasn’t just something I learnt—it was something I felt.
Tara’s Reflection
“Meaningful progress cannot be designed for Aboriginal people from outside.”
Having lived in the NT for the past 20 years, much of my cultural learning has come through the generosity of Yolŋu people.
Being welcomed onto Gumatj Country for Garma therefore felt both familiar and significant. It gave me an opportunity to reconnect with a part of the NT that has shaped much of my understanding, while experiencing it from a different perspective with my YAC lens.
The 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act provided a powerful backdrop. It created space to recognise what has been achieved through the strength and persistence of Aboriginal leaders, while also being honest about the unfinished work.
A recurring message for me was that meaningful progress cannot be designed for Aboriginal people from outside.
It must be led by Aboriginal people and supported by genuine authority, strong organisations and the economic capacity to pursue their own priorities.
Economic independence is not simply about generating income. It is about creating choice, building capability and enabling Aboriginal people to make decisions about their own future, without losing culture or identity in the process.
As someone still very new to YAC, the experience reinforced the purpose behind the work I have come here to do.
Strong governance, financial management, systems and corporate services matter, but their ultimate purpose is to support Yinhawangka authority, enable informed decision-making and help turn resources and opportunities into lasting outcomes determined by members.
It has prompted me to think about how we can make the connection between Yinhawangka priorities and our corporate planning and systems more explicit, so that the way we work continues to support member-led outcomes.