Mitch Tambo workshop for NAIDOC week

Excitement was in the air when Mitch Tambo joined Gunnedah for NAIDOC week celebrations on Tuesday.

The acclaimed Gamilaraay artist was at Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council for the Guuma-li “Gather” workshops and corroboree.

Mitch is known for his musical performing abilities and particularly his ability on the didgeridoo.

He performed for the large crowd and particularly the children who eagerly gathered close to the stage.

“We are celebrating NAIDOC, ‘Blak, Loud and Proud, Keep the Fire Burning’ at this beautiful community event for all the mob here in Gunnedah,” Mitch told the Gunnedah Times before the corroboree performance.

“We [did] a one hour workshop just dancing and grooving with all [the children].

He returned for the corroboree which saw artists such as the Muggera Cultural Enterprise, Buuja Buuja – Butterfly Dance Group, Toby’s Didj boys, Bundarr Dreaming Dancers and Bec’s Deadly Dances performing.

“It is really beautiful and it is cool that we are doing this in a really intimate setting so we are really going to go hard and put on a proper show.”

This is the second time this year the performer has been in Gunnedah, originally stopping by to perform for school children on this Walanbaa Youth Tour.

He said that the experience on Tuesday was different to what the children had at the tour.

The tour had a focus on education about First Nations culture, performing songs by singing, playing didgeridoo and sharing motivational stories about his upbringing.

“I brought a crew with me [this time],” he said.

“I have got a dancer, the voice of Lele, my wife, so we are going to put a bit more of an elevated show on and bring a different level of energy, I hope.

“We are just really happy to be here and just celebrate with everyone, I am just really pumped.”