Our company’s name ‘Merrigong’ reflects the Dharawal word for the Illawarra region’s distinctive escarpment, a landmark of supreme cultural importance. This name serves as a constant reminder that our venues rest on unceded First Nations land. In all that we do, Merrigong Theatre Company seeks to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, seas and skies, and to show respect to all First Nations who call our region home.
Our First Nations Program
There is no meaningful path to Merrigong doing better for our community that does not start with doing better for our region’s First Nations people.
As a company, Merrigong has been on a journey of listening and learning from and consulting with our local First Nations community and leaders in our sector and, in response to this we have two areas of focus for our Program; sharing of high-quality work from national and international First Nations’ companies as part of our mainstage season, and the development of local First Nations’ artists and work.
Producing local work with universal resonance
In 2023, Merrigong established its dedicated First Nations program, forming our First Nations Advisory Group and establishing two dedicated First Nations positions within the company: a First Nations Engagement Co-ordinator and a First Nations Producer role.
In the years since, Merrigong has become the gold standard for community and cultural engagement for touring First Nations companies visiting Dharawal country and, inspired by these wonderful artists and our local stories, developed and produced a number of First Nations productions and events including the annual First Nations NAIDOC Cabaret, Yandha Djanbay by Kirli Saunders (MERRIGONGX 2024, Merrigong Mainstage 2025, National Tour and Sydney Opera House 2026) and Arawarra by Jake Mara (MERRIGONGX 2026).
We are dedicated to First Nations artists, especially young people, in the development of their artistic practice, and in the creation and presentation of new locally made performing arts works. We are creating pathways for local First Nations artists to connect with Merrigong Theatre Company and with each other, in order to develop, perform and/or present work with Merrigong Theatre Company and beyond.
First Nations Advisory Group
The First Nations Advisory Group’s primary role is to consult with and advise Merrigong’s Board, management, and First Nations staff with regard to supporting the company in matters relating to First Nations culture and cultural representation, through education, exposure & experience.
The group consists of 6 First Nations elders, artists, and community representatives, with a range of skills, experience and ages. The Advisory Group is appointed by the Board and the members are remunerated for their attendance at bi-monthly meetings.
The group:
· Supports and advises the Company and Board in making decisions in a culturally appropriate, respectful, and informed manner in relation to the Company’s First Nations Program, and also on matters relating to the cultural safety, learning and development of First Nations people involved with Merrigong’s programs and operations.
· Acts as an open and consultative advisory body for First Nations matters regarding development and review of policies, practice, and protocols.
· Acts as a conduit of information and cultural expertise to support and deepen the Company’s engagement with community.
· Provides input and feedback from industry and community to support the Company’s ongoing engagement with First Nations programs and peoples.