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Djirri Djirri dancers Mandy Nicholson and Ky-Ya talks on 3KND

Updated: May 13, 2020



Djirri Djirri Dancers Mandy Nicholson and Daughter Ky-Ya are special guests on 3KND talking about how the COVID-19 has affected there lives in such a short period of time. Mandy is a member of the Wurundjeri-willam clan of Melbourne and surrounds and currently lives in the South Eastern Suburbs. Mandy is a recognised artist, qualified Archaeologist and leader of the Djirri Djirri Dance Group. Mandy Nicholson, born in Healesville she has been a practising visual artist for over 25 years, specialising in acrylic works. Mandy then worked at the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages for 5 years. Mandy and Ky-Ya are members of the Djirri Djirri Dance Group, which is the Woi wurrung (Wurundjeri) name for Willy Wagtail. Mandy named the group Djirri Djirri as it is a little black bird who is well known to dance all the time.



We offer dance as an interpretation of our culture with the essence of traditional dance/ceremony. All of our dances have a story about creation, family and Country. We have many children who we encourage to take on a leadership role through the use of language and knowledge exchange in dance creation. Damien joined the group and has been playing the yidarki since he was a toddler. He supports the Djirri Djirri's by playing the yidarki during our dances. He also has permission from the custodians of the yidarki to play here in Victoria. Damien is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung, Ngurai illum wurrung and Gunnai. Damien's Spirit Protector is Marla the walla.

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