Barunga Festival isn't something you just attend; it's something you feel. Deep in your chest, under your feet, and in your spirit long after you leave. Every year, when I return to Jawoyn Country, my cup is filled. My energy resets. My soul exhales.

Barunga has that power.

This festival was never just about entertainment. It was born from vision; specifically, the vision of Peter Apaak Jupurrula Miller, a proud Aboriginal man, educator, musician, land rights advocate, and founder of the Barunga Festival. Back when the community was still known as Bamyili, Apaak saw the need for a central place in the Top End where mob could meet, share, and walk together.

"It was a shared vision of the community to show Australia our culture and welcome people to our unique country we are all accustomed to, and all come to walk together." – Peter Apaak Jupurrula Miller

Apaak's passion for music, teaching, and justice shaped a festival that's still growing today. From his early days with the Blekbala Mujik Band to co-founding the Batchelor Institute and witnessing the moment Gough Whitlam poured red soil into Vincent Lingiari's hand — Apaak has always been part of history in the making. Barunga is part of that legacy.

This year, I arrived as the sun dipped low and the air cooled, that unmistakable dry season chill wrapping around me. I woke to the smell of woodsmoke and the undeniable magic of Country. The scent of kangaroo tail drifted through the trees, fires crackling as Elders tended to camp ovens. I bit into the crunch of fresh damper, still warm, and felt that grounding; that sense of being right where I'm meant to be.

Walking through the crowd felt like stepping into a big family reunion. I couldn't go five metres without bumping into someone I hadn't seen in years. We hugged, we laughed, we yarned like no time had passed. This is what Barunga does, it reconnects us and reminds us of who we are to each other.

The Barunga Festival celebrates art, music, dance, sport and culture and it continues to be a powerful meeting place for communities across the NT and beyond. The Red Flag Dancers had the huge crowd entranced as they stomped their feet heavily in the sand.

The music this year? Unforgettable. The SAME BLOOD – J-MILLA x Yung Milla brought their signature NT energy; real, bold, unapologetic. East Journey's reunion show hit differently with harmonies that cut straight to the heart. Rrawun Maymuru's voice brought stillness across the crowd, his songlines grounding us in Yolŋu Country. Kootsie Don had the crowd in the palm of her hand — authentic, resilient, uplifting. And Thelma Plum, her voice was like smoke and honey, floating across the crowd and landing softly in our hearts. These weren't just performances — they were declarations of Black excellence.

At the market stalls, I picked up this year's hottest item, the House of Darwin Barunga shirt, and admired woven earrings made by local hands. Kids sat with Aunties learning to weave. The scent of bush medicine lingered in the air as mob gathered for demonstrations and storytelling. Culture wasn't being preserved, it was being lived.

The Fashion Parade on the runway brought everyone to their feet and I had the privilege of witnessing it firsthand from backstage. I watched as young leaders walked tall, full of pride and determination. Every step on that catwalk was more than a strut, it was a declaration. A step into the future, grounded in legacy, culture, and strength.

It took tremendous courage for them to get up and walk; some were nervous, but you could see the transformation as soon as their feet hit the stage. Their cheeky smiles and thumbs-up as they walked off made my heart swell. They weren't just modelling clothes, they were modelling confidence, identity, and the power of showing up proud in who you are.

And then there was the sport — the heartbeat of Barunga. Over 12 footy teams from across the NT took to the oval. Men's, women's and junior matches roared all weekend long. Watching Cyril Rioli in action was a moment to remember but the real power was in the unity footy created. Families, friends, old and new teammates, all standing shoulder to shoulder, backing each other. It was electric. Meanwhile, over at the basketball courts, the cheers from the crowd were a testament to the energy and pride pulsing through the community.

Amongst the celebration, there was also important work being done. Stakeholders travelled from across the country to be part of the conversation; to listen, to learn, to contribute. Shaun from Deadly Enterprises was out in force, spreading powerful messages about looking after your eyes. The Aboriginal Investment NT team were supporting Blak economic growth. NT PHN, the Remote Op Shops Project, and the Northern Land Council were some other important stakeholders present — walking alongside mob and working toward better outcomes together.

But above all, Barunga belongs to its people, the Bagala clan of the Jawoyn people. And it must always remain that way – accessible, inclusive and true to its roots.

To the Barunga community — thank you. For your strength, your hospitality, your leadership, and your generosity. You don't just host this festival, you carry it with care, with pride, and with purpose. You've created something that the rest of the nation looks to with admiration.

To walk on Jawoyn Country is a privilege. To celebrate culture with the Barunga community is a gift.

Barunga doesn't just bring us together — it reminds us of who we are.

It holds our past, honours our present, and shapes our future.

This is more than a festival.

This is First Nations strength in motion.

And it will echo for generations to come.