Indigenous music, dance and drama on the Central Coast

From youth theatre companies to prestigious cultural dance schools and festivals attracting thousands, the Central Coast has an incredible pool of First Nations Peoples' talent forging their own path on the burgeoning local arts scene-and beyond.

Below is a thoughtful introductory guide not just for seeking out the creative people, but the places and festivals that are nurturing the Coast’s Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples emerging performers.

Ex-music teacher turned music producer, Brendon Boney, a Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri man on the Central Coast, is also one of the region’s most multi-talented musicians, crossing genres from folk pop to hip hop, dabbling with musical theatre and rounding his resume out with sound design. A recipient of the David Page Fellowship at the Bangarra Dance Theatre, he most recently took the stage at the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Wudjang: Not the Past.

In 2023, Brendon composed music for the upcoming Bangarra Dance Company production Dance Clan, is working on sound design for Choir Boy at the Parramatta Riverside Theatre, and Fences with the Sydney Theatre Company. He is also known for his hip-hop alias The Magpie Swoop: blending lyricism & clever social commentary with relaxed chill beats and a pop vibe: he also performs as one half of the folk-indie duo Microwave Jenny, the other half being his superbly talented partner, Tessa Thames, who you can find out more about here in her Local Guide to the Central Coast.

For sixteen years, the Central Coast has been the home of the NAISDA Dance College, which began in Sydney in 1976. Providing nationally accredited qualifications specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peoples, the curriculum was developed in collaboration and consultation with Indigenous Elders and communities, and is staffed by a talented collection of principal dancers, choreographers and cultural tutors from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The college at Kariong, overlooking Gosford CBD, is home to a purpose-built dancing ground and runs regular performances and productions showcasing its developing talent throughout the year. There are plenty of graduates going on to achieve great things locally and nationally, such as Tynga Williams (Jack Williams), the 2022 Central Coast Council Youth Week Awards Winner of the Rising Stars category in Arts and Culture.

A thriving youth theatre company on the Central Coast, Jopuka Productions, vary in scope from teen favourites like High School Musical, to serious issue-drive productions. Their most recent Indigenous work Brutal, was an Indigenous retelling of Julius Caesar set in the future and based on current issues impacting the Indigenous community.

Keep an eye out for their home grown Rocket Fuel project which will research, create and produce six theatre works based on issues impacting youth on the Central Coast in the future.

Held each year on the Saturday closest to the winter solstice, 5 Lands Walk from McMasters Beach to Terrigal features a variety of live Indigenous music, ceremony and dance performances across each of the five villages along the 10-kilometre coastal path. Aimed at uniting the community, the walk is run by over 700 volunteers and overseen by an Indigenous board. This annual Central Coast cultural festival is a great way to experience Traditional art, music and culture while also supporting greater connection with local First Nations Peoples.