Dirrum Dirrum Festival a triumph!
By Reverend Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
For 10 months, a team of over 30 Year 12 students busily prepared for Dirrum Dirrum Festival 2025 and their efforts were heartily rewarded last Saturday! The theme "Tomorrow’s Promise", the artistic collaborations brought to life in the designs by Nancy Hang and every speaker, stall holder, artist and musician who participated, ensured an event that was rich in meaning, hospitality and community.
A huge congratulations to the organising committee, the Media Crew and the many staff who offered their time and talents to make this year’s Dirrum Dirrum Festival a night to remember.
These reflections by Zoe and Dhaatri, two of the 250 festival attendees, demonstrate the depth of engagement that was given and received:
Zoe, Year 10 student
'I had never gone to a Dirrum Dirrum festival before, but it had always intrigued me due to the variety of different and interesting presenters that had spoken in previous years. I am so glad that I chose 2025 as the year I would finally attend.
'Stan Grant had so much to say about "Tomorrow’s Promise", emphasising this idea that saying yes will ensure your tomorrow will be fulfilled. Shaun Christie-David can only be described as inspiring. His work in helping thousands of Australians to put food on the table is a testament to the importance of "Tomorrow’s Promise" and what we can achieve today to ensure tomorrow is worthwhile for everyone.
'Tash Kaiser was amazing and a testament to some key values. She really focused on what her Aboriginal culture means to her and helping others to learn about it, encompassing the idea of learning is the security for tomorrow. Lastly, Royston Noell gave us an incredible showcase, demonstrating his passion for music. His songs and words really captured the sense of "Tomorrow’s Promise" for individuals and how each of us must find our way to make tomorrow better than today.
'Overall, the speakers this year were all so incredible. However, I would have to say Stan Grant's enchanting words really stole the show with his key message of just saying 'Yes'. His speech really delved into how that single word can really ensure a promise of a great tomorrow for ourselves and everyone around us.'
Dhaatri, Year 9
'In addition to the keynote speakers, I was equally impressed by the stallholders. I spoke briefly with the stallholders from A Chorus of Women, who shared the origins of their group. They told me how, on 18 March 2003 – the day Australia entered the Iraq War – 150 women entered Parliament House and sang the Lament for the People of Iraq, which led the ABC’s 7.30 report that night. 20 years later, that same Lament evolved into a call for action on climate change, peace and social justice. Their story reminded me that the choices individuals make and the breadth of experiences they carry hold enormous power to shape who they are and what they stand for.
'What I ultimately took away from Dirrum Dirrum 2025 was the profound reminder that people live incredibly complex lives. Each person is moulded by hardships and achievements alike, and those lived experiences weave together to create voices of strength, courage and inspiration. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and one that taught me many valuable lessons.
'We look forward to seeing you at Dirrum Dirrum Festival 2026!'