City of Darebin's annual festival celebrating creativity stretching across its suburbs kicked off with a celebration of First Nations culture, music, dance and ceremony on Sunday.
'Ganbu Gulin: wudhanu yuwanguth', meaning "One Mob: From Many to the Next" in Woi-Wurring language, opened FUSE Festival at Darebin Arts Centre, Preston, co-delivered by the local council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Headlined by soul, country and R&B giant Emma Donovan, the music line up featured local acts and favourites like lutrawita-raised meriam rapper Torres Green and indie-rock duo Doe Eyes, fronted by Indigenous vocalist Izzy Skye and master of ceremonies, the 'FABoriginal' 2Joocee.
Wurundjeri women's dance group Djirri Djirri, address from First Peoples' Assembly Reserved Seat Holder representing the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Uncle Andrew Gardiner, Welcome to Country, native planting and kid's activities were on the agenda for the afternoon.
Northern Kaantju, Girramay and Badu person Ethan Savage came on board as Ganbu Gulin's curator in residence.
Savage told National Indigenous Times the representation of local creativity and local custodians; Wurundjeri voices, was key to the afternoon.
"Community-building" was the ethos, they said in the lead up to the event.
"I think it's particularly special because it launches FUSE Festival, which has such wide programming…Ganbu Gulin offers a nice entry way which does include Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists in a range of disciplines.
"I think it's a great event for young people to come down to. Hear from elders…meet new people, especially new people in the community.
"It's really designed to be a family-friendly community day for the local Darebin area, but more broadly to engage with the wonderful Indigenous artistry that we have, both on stage and off stage as well, which is really exciting."
Izzy Skye said, alongside bandmate Jordan Clay, the duo are "incredibly grateful" for the platform Ganbu Gulin gave them as a local band who have called the local area their home community for 10 years.
"I think music and the arts is the heart of Melbourne and this festival not only supports a wide range of artists but local indigenous musicians as well," Skye said.
"We all come from various nations all around Australia with language and some differences in cultural practice", and embracing that can go along with moving into the future "working together to make us stronger and connected."
FUSE Festival delivers music, exhibitions, public art, workshops, and culture-centred experiences across the next fortnight in Naarm's inner-north, running to September 13.
Amongst the programs is a strong bracket of Indigenous-led events.
The First Nations Film Evening takes place at Thornbury Picture House on September 2, as well as drag acts Cerulean and Stone Motherless Cold performing at the Installation Opening Party at Northcote Town Hall on September 5.
Local puppet company Blanck Canvas has worked with Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara artists Elizabeth Close and Kaurna and Nurungga educator Jack Buckskin - who engaged with elders, to create 27-metre long installation of Nunga storytelling with Tarutharu, the Kaurna Skink at the Hall from September 5-7.
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Gamilaroi and Yinarr choreographer Amelia J O'Leary is behind a life-size projection installation of En Masse, made in collaboration with videographer Michael Carmody and featuring the Rawcus Ensemble from September 4-10.
Kulin nation knowledge and orchestral music come together in Bunjil & Paliyang, featuring Didjeridoo player Amos Roach, choreography from Teena Moffat and Brent Watkins, and Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe.