Tjaltjraak and Kyza Presents — NAIDOC Week

Celebrating First Nations Culture Through Live Music in Esperance

First Nations music, culture and connection took centre stage in Esperance during NAIDOC Week 2025, with Tjaltjraak and Kyza Presents delivering a program of live music supported by the Mt Burdett Foundation’s Esperance Community Advisory Committee (ECAC).

Backed by a three-year grant from the Foundation, the initiative is helping create an ongoing platform for First Nations artists while building stronger cultural connections across the Esperance community.

The 2025 program began at Esperance Senior High School, where around 300 students took part in a Q&A and live performance. This was followed by a free community music event at Lucky Bay Brewery, attracting approximately 400 people.

The project also received co-funding from the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission.

“At the end of the day this project would not have come to life without the funding support of Mt Burdett,” organiser Kyron Smithson said. With another two years of Foundation funding ahead, the team is already looking at ways to grow the program, including workshops for local First Nations youth and opportunities for students to become directly involved in future NAIDOC Week performances.

The Mt Burdett Foundation supports arts and cultural initiatives that celebrate what makes regional communities unique while creating opportunities for people to connect, participate and develop their skills.

Through long-term support, this partnership gives Tjaltjraak and Kyza Presents the opportunity to build on the program each year and create an enduring platform for First Nations music and young people in Esperance.

Find out more about ECAC grants for the Esperance region: https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/esperance