Australian Didgeridoo innovator and music producer Ganga Giri (pronounced GUNG-ga GEE-ree) is one of the world’s most recognised and respected Didgeridoo players. He is a descendent of Truganini from the Palawa people of Tasmania. Ganga played conventional and African drums as a child, before discovering the Didgeridoo more than 26 years ago. A full-time musician and composer, Ganga is renowned for a highly energetic, percussive style of Didgeridoo playing. He likens contemporary dance music to tribal expression and composes pieces that merge ancient and modern rhythms. For 20 years Ganga has been keenly sought after at global festivals and seminars. Once seen, the Ganga Giri Show’ ensemble isn’t forgotten, its red natural elements, fat tribal beats and dirty funk bass lines creating a pulsating ‘deep earth’ dance experience. Ganga’s ensemble has released eight albums and played at prestigious festivals including WOMAD, Glastonbury, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Woodford Festival and many more. In 2000 he performed at the Sydney Olympics.

Henning Gerlt is a qualified school teacher with 26 years experience playing a range of Didgeridoos in a manner of styles. Henning studied with contemporary and traditional masters, including legendary Galpu elder Djalu Gurruwiwi. Multiple visits to Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land provided memorable, first-hand experiences of traditional Aboriginal culture, including Didgeridoo making, arts and crafts, and hunting. Henning’s passionate goal is to recreate such enriching experiences in workshops and seminars.

As a result of his time spent with Yolngu people, Henning was adopted into the Gumatj clan in North East Arnhem Land, the Didgeridoo’s original home.

Gnarnayarrahe Inmurry Waitairie (pronounced NUN-Yurra) is an Indjibundji elder from Roebourne, Western Australia. When he was born between a wattle tree and a gum tree on the banks of the river, his mother placed him on the soft bark of a paperbark tree. A little blue joey approached and touched his bellybutton with its nose. This inspired his first name and his totem: Waitairie means ‘born beside a spring in the Dreamtime’. At an early age, Gnarnayarrahe mastered an age-old repertoire of Indjibundji songs, dances and tribal lore taught to him by his grandfather.

He is an excellent story teller, singer songwriter, traditional dancer and musician. Gnarnayarrahe has travelled the world teaching and playing Didgeridoo. He is also an actor, educator and has produced two music albums so far.

Uncle Ian Hunter is a local Wurundjeri elder with extensive traditional knowledge of the great Melbourne area. He is in great demand for Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies

Rachel Shields is a descendant of the Wailwan & Gamilaroi people of New South Wales. A visual artist, singer songwriter, storyteller, author, public speaker and cultural educator, Rachel shares her heritage and cultural knowledge in an inclusive, gentle and engaging manner.

Rachel is skilled at drawing audiences into the ‘dreaming’ and ‘deep listening space’ when she shares, enriching teachers and students with a sense of connection to the Indigenous Landscape.

Experienced in the private, public and independent school systems, Rachel works with teachers to meet curricular requirements. She also mentors teachers in delivering Indigenous education components within the National Curriculum.

Rachel holds an advanced Diploma in Rudolf Steiner Education and has worked in Human Services, counselling children in need. She is currently completing a Degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education.