Kutcha Edwards - Circling Time a success
Published on 24 June 2022
More than 100 people enjoyed an evening celebrating our nation’s rich indigenous culture as part of Kutcha Edwards’ Circling Time – Songs and Stories tour visit to Kerang on Friday, 17 June.
Organised by Creative Gannawarra in collaboration with local community organisations and agencies, the free family event was part of celebrations marking two important weeks for the Gannawarra’s indigenous community – National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
“Circling Time – Songs and Stories was one of Creative Gannawarra’s largest performances since the COVID-19 pandemic, with audience members travelling to the Kerang Memorial Hall from as far away as Brisbane,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
“Audience members were in awe of Kutcha’s performance and the way he uses music and story telling to give an insight into his amazing life.”
Kutcha’s performance was one of many events held during the evening, with families officially welcomed to the venue with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country hosted by Uncle Lloyd Murray and Aunty Esther Kirby, an art exhibition featuring local works and items from Council’s art collection, an indigenous Story Time session and a performance from Kinja.
ABOVE: Kinja, featuring Uncle Ron Murray and Sarah James, also took to the stage prior to Kutcha Edwards' performance. PHOTO: Shayne Mostyn.
“It was great to have Kinja members, Uncle Ron Murray and Sarah James back in the Gannawarra, with their performance amazing the children in attendance,” Mr O’Reilly said.
“The Circling Time – Songs and Stories performance was months in the planning, and sincere thanks goes to all who were involved in making this event a success.”
Circling Time – Songs and Stories was sponsored by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Northern District Community Health, and supported by the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group, Mallee District Aboriginal Services, the Rotary Club of Kerang and Regional Arts Victoria.
MAIN PHOTO: Kutcha Edwards performed at the Kerang Memorial Hall on 17 June as part of his Circling Time - Songs and Stories tour. PHOTO: Shayne Mostyn.