Marga

Marga is Nongkrong’s Opening Ceremony

Presented in collaboration with the City of Yarra, this free, family-friendly afternoon celebrates the historic pre-colonial connection between Makassar and northeast Arnhem Land.

The heart of Marga is a conversation with Leila Gurruwiwi (Yolŋu woman of the Galpu Clan) and Makassan-Indonesian artist Abdi Karya. Together, they’ll reflect on the shared history of the Yolŋu and Makassan sailors from Sulawesi.

For generations, the Yolngu of Arnhem Land have carried stories of friendship and exchange with the Makassan people of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Long before European contact, the Makassans traveled with the monsoon winds to Marege’, the northern shores, to gather trepang (sea cucumber), a prized delicacy and medicine.

These visits weren’t just about trade—they were about enduring connection between two communities. Yolngu and Makassans exchanged goods like rice, tobacco, and knives, but they also shared knowledge, language, and traditions. Yolngu worked alongside Makassans, traveled to Sulawesi, and adopted new practices; from canoe-making to metalwork. Words like rupiah (money) and balanda (white person) still connect our languages, while tamarind trees growing along the coast are living traces of this history.

This story reminds us of the deep ties between our peoples—a history of collaboration, learning, and respect that continues to live through us today.

The afternoon also features DJ sets from Ones, Ewan Sutardy, and Sophie McAlister, performances by Yana Lestari and Nina Rose, and Yolŋu musician Yirrmal. plus a feed from Gundungurra chef Tazmyn Slicer and Makassan legend Mama Ning.