Big Sing by the Sea – Baraya-djukal Garuwa-ga
Who would believe 2025 marks our 7th Big Sing by the Sea?
Worimi Elders say 7 is the number of wisdom, spirituality and self-discovery which about sums-up what you will gain if you join us at Holy Name School Hall, Forster, at a BSBTS experience.
Aunts Janice Paulson, Lynette Davis, Noelene Lever, Evelyn Wenzel and Kerry Reynolds invite you to be part of what will be an unforgettable singing and cultural weekend workshop. We welcome back Aunty Rhonda’s Djiyagan Dhanbaan (Strong Sisters) from Biripi country and look forward to the participation of new groups from Gumbaynggirr and Dhurga country, who will contribute to the singing or cultural programs.
Our local leaders will be Sandra Kwa, musical director of the fantastic Wingsong and Baraya Wakulda choirs and Tash Rusterholz who leads a choir in Newcastle.
There will be a 2-hour break from singing at lunchtime to eat, participate in the optional cultural experiences (painting, weaving, yarning circle etc) or just have some downtime.
Join our delicious fish barbecue dinner where friendships are made or renewed and tall stories shared. You never know – there might be some spontaneous music!
Remember to encourage friends and family about the Sunday 3pm concert where we showcase what we have learnt together, and each group sings their signature songs.
Bookings are now open.
Saturday 8th November:
9.00am Registration: An opportunity to have a cuppa and catch up with friends. Please bring your own reuseable cup each day.
9.30am Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony (outside): Aunty Lynee Davis 10.00am Introductions: To our Leaders Sandra and Tash and our Worimi hosts. Warm up with some familiar and new songs. Help yourself to a cuppa and something to eat on the way back inside. 10.15am Ready to begin singing:
12.30pm Lunch: Time to eat and participate in our cultural workshops – options are painting, weaving and Yarning Circle. Please indicate when booking which you will choose to ensure enough resources are available.
2.30pm More Singing
3.45pm Arvo Tea: Try some delicious snacks including damper.
4.00 – 5.30pm More Singing 6.30 – 9.00pm Dinner: (Optional)
A delicious fish barbecue and salads. Please indicate if you would like to attend when booking.
Sunday 9th November:
8.00am – 9.30am Cultural Walk along Pebbly Beach with Aunty Lyn (optional) 9.30am Polishing our singing in anticipation of wowing our friends and families, morning tea as needed
12.00pm Lunch 12.30pm Rehearsal
2.00pm Concert set up – with bushtucker treats for afternoon tea.
3.00pm Concert 4.30pm Thank you and farewell.
Extra Information
Venue: Holy Name School 41 Lake Street Forster. Enter through Carawa Street gate. Meals:
BSBTS provides morning and afternoon tea and a light lunch each day. Please indicate vegetarian or gluten free options if you need when booking.
Cost:
Singing Workshop: $140, pensioners and volunteers $120, Aboriginal percipient – NO COST.
Saturday Fish Barbecue: $30
Sunday Concert: As we are the performers, we ask people attending the concert for $10 or $15 / Family. Booking:
Numbers will be strictly limited so get yourselves organised! If you have internet, please book online at: Big Sing by the Sea – Forster Neighbourhood Centre (fnc.org.au)
If not, ring FNC on 6555 4351, ask for Kitana or Corinne.
Contacts:
For Aboriginal participants tickets and for catering purposes Phone: 6555 4351.
General Enquiries: Felicity Carter 0411 566 593 Aunty Janice Paulson 0408 674 604
Aunty Lynee Davis 0421 844 940
Where to Stay:
Looking for Accommodation?
Contact Reflections on the Beach, Forster and mention you are part of the Big Sing (6554 6269).
There are also a range of motels in Forster and Tuncurry, also 2 caravan parks with cabins and camping options: Lani’s and Smugglers Cove and the NRMA Holiday Park in Tuncurry.