Yuin Nation Birriga Bunaan will return in 2026, with this year's gathering being promoted as a ceremony ahead of a festival.

Set to take place at the Tilba Football Field on 17 January, the event will focus on cultural practice, connection, trading and spiritual healing between Indigenous groups invited to attend.

Organisers are calling it a grassroots movement centred on authenticity and sharing, and are asking attendees to come prepared to contribute to the shared space.

The name Birriga Bunaan means 'Big Corroboree' or 'Big Dance,' the day being held to support healing through song and dance.

Attendees are invited to arrive on the 16th and camp for the evening, where Djiringanj Yuin elder Uncle Warren Ngaree Foster will perform a smoking ceremony and welcome everyone to the event.

Uncle Warren said the aim of the gathering was to heal and bring people together.

"We put it on for the mob to come together and heal and share song and dance," he said.

"We try to get the wider community to be apart and witness it.

"It's about healing the people and healing country."

Organisers are asking people to bring shade and water, including pop up marquees and extra water for communal use.

Attendees are also being encouraged to bring a plate of food to share with mob on a community table, remembering to label what is in it.

Cultural items including didgeridoos, clap sticks, and traditional dance wear, alongside ochre are also welcome and encouraged to be brought along.

The invitation calls for people to bring an open heart and positive spirit, which organisers describe as part of the shared healing purpose of the day.

Uncle Warren said the event is described as a ceremony because it is free and based on people coming together to share culture.

"The reason why it's a ceremony is because were all coming together to share culture and this is all free," Uncle Warren said.

"But with festivals you have to pay to get in."

The run sheet lists for dancers to ochre up at 10am and a meet and greet with mob, before the ceremony formally opens at 12pm.

The opening will include a Welcome to Country by Elders, special mentions and a speech from Uncle Warren, before Bunaan starts at 12:30pm.

Organisers are also encouraging anyone who can offer a specific skill or resource to get in touch ahead of the day.