This year the Kinship Festival will celebrate its ten-year anniversary in Knox Park, Murwillumbah on Saturday, September 20.
What began as a grassroots, First Nations-led project has grown into the largest cultural gathering on Bundjalung Country. Today, more than 6,000 people come together each year to share culture, ceremony, and community – an experience of kinship in action.
This year, the Festival is proud to collaborate with the Makers and Finders Market, expanding the celebration across the whole of Knox Park.
Fire Stick Banksia – Keep the Flame
The 2025 Festival theme, Fire Stick Banksia – Keep the Flame, honours knowledge, renewal, and the unbroken cycle of spirit.
At its heart, the Fire Stick Banksia carries the spark of culture, guiding us to walk in balance with Country.
The large-scale sand art installation will bring this story to life, weaving together pathways of land, sky, water, and fire, and reminding us of the flame of connection that can never be extinguished.
Program Highlights
The program highlights this year are – two stages showcasing First Nations performers and more than 10 Aboriginal dance groups; a giant sand art installation of the Fire Stick Banksia created with ochres, sands, and soils from across Bundjalung Country; a children’s spaces with hands-on nature crafts and activities; a youth space at the skate park with free screen printing, skate workshops, and hip hop with JK-47; dance, weaving, language, art, and storytelling workshops with Elders and cultural custodians; a flash mob at 12.30pm to Kulcha by OKA, open to all.
Inclusive festival
The Kinship Festival is unique in that all food, activities, and entry are free, ensuring equal access for everyone. Each year, free meals – including vegetarian and bush tucker options – are shared as a cultural practice of welcoming people into family.
The Kinship Festival is made possible through the generous support of:
Tweed Shire Council, the Ingrained Foundation, Tweed Clubs Grant, Jagun Alliance, Social Futures and Headspace, YWCA Australia, Dice Construction, Ready Quit Solid, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar, and Macro Meats Australia.
Come along and join the fun at Knox Park, Murwillumbah, on Saturday, September 20 – this is an all day free event with free meals and activities.
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