TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH GROWING INDIGENOUS REPRESENTATION

Tangiora Hianki with Latisha Kadabil, Margaret Ranger (Director) and Gerry Terrati or G Man

BY ASAD KHAN

The Toyota Country Music Festival in Tamworth, Australia's largest and longest-running country music festival, is set to return from January 17th to 26th, 2025. 

This iconic 10-day event, which transforms the city into a musical haven, will feature both free and ticketed performances across a variety of venues, including pubs, stages, and even the streets of Tamworth.

Senior Broadcaster Gerry Terrati also known as the G-Man, is a long-time participant in the Tamworth Country Music Festival, he shared his perspective on how Indigenous representation at the event has evolved over the years reflecting on the early challenges faced by Indigenous broadcasters.

"In the beginning, we'd have to go to the festival and broadcast from the back of a room or even a bank," Mr Terrati recalled. 

"There was no real space for us. It was a struggle, but over time, we built partnerships, and our reputation as a professional media outlet grew. We weren’t just attending to broadcast for one hour a day anymore. We became integral to the festival experience."

Mr Terrati said that the festival's growth mirrors the increasing visibility of Indigenous artists and performers. 

"When I first started going, it was hard to find an Indigenous person, apart from Troy, of course, and old man Uncle Jimmy Little, or the Knox Brothers," he explained.

"But now, it's different. You can see more Indigenous buskers and performers, and it's changing the face of the festival for good."

The involvement of Indigenous broadcasters at Tamworth is more than just a representation of culture—it is an opportunity to gain valuable media experience and showcase diverse talent to a wider audience. 

"The experience of going to Tamworth changes you for the rest of your life. It gives you skills and experience in media that you wouldn't get elsewhere," he said.

For many, the festival represents a significant opportunity to experience the best of country music, but for others, it is also a chance to break barriers and showcase underrepresented voices in the industry. 

John-Ross Pearce-Scharnberg, Karley and Miranda Saunders  

This year, Ngaarda Media is taking a unique step by bringing Aboriginal Cadets from across Australia to the festival. The initiative aims to impart broadcasting skills to the cadets, providing them with opportunities regardless of their postcode.

As the festival continues to grow, so does the role of Aboriginal voices within the country music scene. The 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival promises to be another step forward in celebrating this vibrant cultural shift and providing opportunities for future generations.

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad khan speak with the G-Man