Dancers transform the Great Hall at The University of Newcastle into a corroboree ground

October 12. Dancers transform the Great Hall at The University of Newcastle into a corroboree ground. The one-hour performance moved the audience of 2,500 people. Organised by the Hunter Region Aboriginal Mens Council, the corroboree brings together around 20 performers from around NSW. Eight Aboriginal women perform a welcoming dance and a reaping dance. The performance by men depicts the ways of Aboriginal forebears through 17 traditional dances (involving brolgas, frill-necked lizards, kangaroos and goannas), two songs and practices including breaking spears, exorcising ghosts and chasing away wrongdoers. Tribal custodians from northern NSW attending are Uncle Lennie de Silva (76 years), Uncle Leeton Smith (71 years) and Uncle Mangie (Alfred) Drew (77 years).