The Australian Music Industry’s charity Support Art are bringing their Yarning Strong series to Castlemaine as part of the Gold Sounds Music Conference on Saturday October 15.
Yarning Strong is a series that focuses on First Nations mental health and what it looks like in the music industry; how music heals and is an expression of storytelling that has been passed down for generations; and why it’s important for the industry to create a culturally intelligent space for First Nations artists, artist managers, crew and music workers to express themselves and their history.
The ‘Breaking Down the Barriers’ panel at Gold Sounds will feature special guest panellists Dallas Woods (Musician), Larissa Ryan (Manager/A&R Warner Records) and Cerisa Benjamin (Support Act) and will be hosted by Mitch Tambo, who was an Australia’s Got Talent finalist and is a well-known and respected musician and First Nations advocate.
First Nations Community Engagement & Social Worker from Support Act Cerisa Benjamin said this yarn will focus on the lack of First Nations people accessing support services.
“It will look at why many First Nations people struggle and why it’s important for us to break down those barriers and have discussions around mental health, rather than feeling ashamed to do so,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring Yarning Strong to Gold Sounds, as our first regional event. It’s a series that allows the voices of First Nations people in music to express, support and heal together,” Cerisa said.
“It’s a big step forward in addressing issues in our community and ensuring First Nations people in the music industry feel safe to come forward, have a yarn and ask for help if needed.”
Tickets for Gold Sounds are available via www.goldsounds.com.au.
First Nations people can access free tickets via the same link.
