Stories Under the Stars to highlight Warami in Parramatta

Parramatta is set to enjoy and celebrate First Nations Stories Under the Stars for the first time, as part of a jam-packed line up for this year’s Warami program kicking off on 26 May.

Warami - the Dharug word for ‘good to see you’ - is an eight-week program of First Nations art, music, storytelling and culture.

As part of this year’s program, Stories Under the Stars on Saturday 1 June will include the City’s first glow-in-the-dark art installation at the newly named Yilabara Path created by First Nations artist Leanne Redpath (Watson) in collaboration with artists Tina Barahanos and Alexandra Byrne. 

There will also be an outdoor cinema, performances, traditional workshops, family-friendly activities and a chance to meet former Parramatta Eels star Dean Widders and watch his film Araatika! Rise Up! You can also rub shoulders with current Parramatta Eels players Mahalia Murphy, Rachael Pearson, Ruby Jean Kennard, Elsie Alberts and Steve Ella who will be at this special event.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said it’s a chance for the community to recognise, learn and celebrate our rich First Nations culture and heritage. 

“Parramatta is leading the way with this unique celebration at the Parramatta River Foreshore and by transforming one of its laneways into a First Nations arts and culture masterpiece,” Cr Esber said.

“The incredible glow-in-the-dark artwork at Yilabara Path is not only a work that rivals other street art across other parts of Greater Sydney but provides a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists travelling at night.

“Stories Under the Stars is a must-do for everyone. Whether you want to try out basket weaving, astronomy and poetry workshops, cooking demonstrations or enjoy live music, the markets or the outdoor cinema, you won’t be disappointed.”  

From 26 May to 13 July, the eight-week Warami program begins with commemorations at National Sorry Day to acknowledge, reflect and honour the Stolen Generations, with the annual celebration of Burramatta NAIDOC in mid-July marking the end of the program. 

The development of Yilabara Path has been proudly funded by the NSW Government Places to Love program.

2024 Warami Program Key Events

• National Sorry Day
  When: Sunday 26 May
  Time: 10am-2pm
  Where: Old Government House, Parramatta Park

• Stories Under the Stars
  When: Saturday 1 June
  Time: 3pm-7:30pm
  Where: Parramatta River Foreshore

• Burramatta NAIDOC
  When: Saturday 13 July
  Time: 10am-4pm
  Where: The Crescent, Parramatta Park

Riverside Threatres Warami Performances

• Heart of the Man
  When: Friday 12 July, 7pm

• The Skin of Others
  When: Sunday 14 July, 3pm

• Beyond Broadway
  When: Sunday 2 July, 3pm

PHIVE Warami Events

• Weaving for Kids: Dilly Bags with Tarni Eastwood
  When: Wednesday 17 July, 2-4pm
  PHIVE Makerspace

• Introduction to Basket Weaving for Adults with Tarni Eastwood
  When: Wednesday 17 July, 6-8pm
  PHIVE Makerspace

For the full list of all programs and events happening across all Council facilities, visit the ATParramatta website.