Bayala means ‘speak’ in local language.

It’s a sharing and celebration of the Indigenous heritage of Sydney and the growing movement to reawaken local language. Working with local Eora and Darug community leaders and language experts, classes, talks, an installation and a mass choral performance have been developed to celebrate the local language of the Sydney area.

From 1790–91, Patyegarang – a young Aboriginal woman – shared with Lieutenant William Dawes some of the local language during frequent visits to his hut at ‘Tar-ra’ (Dawes Point Park).

At this site, hear a recording of Lille Madden – a young Gadigal woman – reading the word-lists and sentences gifted to Dawes by Patyegarang.

Enjoy a Festival Feast meal for $30 at nearby restaurants Ventuno Pizzeria Birreria Enoteca or Walsh Bay Kitchen.

Photo: Gabi Briggs