"It's about Ruby Hunter's legacy, but they're setting it up for future generations."

Volunteer Cat, Uncle Geoffrey, SCDO Alex, Russell, Aunty Ros & Uncle Wally

For 16 years, the Ruby Hunter Foundation has held a vision of creating opportunities for First Nations artists while honouring the legacy of one of Australia's most respected singer-songwriters, Ruby Hunter.

After years of determination, their vision is taking a significant step forward.

On Saturday 14 November 2026, the Foundation will host the inaugural Womma Mukurta Festival in Mount Barker, South Australia, a free community celebration of First Nations music, culture, storytelling and creativity.

The festival honours the legacy of Ruby Hunter while creating space for First Nations voices, music, and storytelling. It is both a celebration of Ruby's impact and an investment in the next generation.

“The Ruby Hunter Foundation was founded by the family of Ruby Hunter in South Australia with the goal of honouring the memory and dreams of Ruby after she passed away in 2010,” Uncle Wally, Chair at the Ruby Hunter Foundation.

One of their goals is to "support for the next generation of Indigenous artists through providing indigenous Australians with access to artistic opportunities and music education, including through scholarships and training programs.”

They also want to raise awareness of Aboriginal arts and community issues, support artistic pathways for Indigenous women, and create Indigenous-led cultural events and productions that celebrate culture and community.

"The festival is the start of doing what they want to do," Senior Community Development Officer Alex said.

"It's about Ruby Hunter's legacy, but they're setting it up for future generations."

The Foundation's longer-term vision includes scholarships for emerging artists, cultural workshops, support for Indigenous musicians, and the creation of a culturally safe recording studio where First Nations artists can create, learn and grow.

But first, they needed to bring their festival vision to life.

Bringing a community-led vision to life

The Ruby Hunter Foundation have the vision, passion, and determination to make the festival happen.

What they needed was support to bring all the moving pieces together.

Through Community First Development and volunteer event manager Cat, that support arrived just in time.

Alex and Cat travelled to South Australia to spend several days working alongside Foundation Chair Uncle Wally, Uncle Geoffrey, Aunty Roslyn and other Board members (pictured above).

Together, they visited the festival site, met with the Mount Barker District Council and worked through the planning and logistics needed to bring the event to life.

"The Ruby Hunter Foundation has been operating for 16 years and, for the first time, with the right support and skillset, the project is finally coming to fruition," Alex said.

"This is the kind of impact the right support can have. It can make all the difference."

For Alex, one of the most rewarding parts of the project has been working alongside a board that remains deeply committed to its vision.

"They're always so happy, and they really appreciate us and what we do," she said.

"Work is always fun when you can have a joke and a laugh and enjoy each other's company while getting the work done."

Skilled volunteers making an impact

Volunteer Cat O'Malley brought extensive event management experience to the project, helping establish the systems, planning processes and promotional activities needed to turn the Foundation's vision into a reality.

"I wanted to give back to the community and use my skills to help another organisation," Cat said.

"I've worked in the corporate world for a long time, and it's nice to work in the community and give back."

Working closely with the Foundation and Alex, Cat developed project plans, coordinated contracts, supported marketing activities and launched the festival's Eventbrite page and social media promotion.

"I love organising, so it's been really fun to step away from my day-to-day work and organise something so different," she said.

"It's stretching my skills and making me think outside the box about different ways to engage people and promote the festival."

For Cat, the experience has also reinforced the value of listening and learning.

"I've learned the importance of listening and that there are many different viewpoints to consider," she said.

"I might be an expert in what I do, but that doesn't mean I'm not still learning from people with different experiences and backgrounds."

Looking Ahead to Womma Mukurta Festival

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Barker, the free community festival will bring together First Nations musicians, dancers, artists, cultural workshops, family activities and food vendors in a celebration of culture, connection and community.

Importantly, all performers and artists involved will be paid for their contributions, creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations talent to be recognised and supported.

Supporting artists in this way recognises the value of their skills, knowledge and culture. It also strengthens livelihoods, deepens connections to culture, and create positive flow-on benefits for families.

For Alex, seeing the festival come together will be a special moment.

"I'm excited to see the smiling faces of Uncle Wally and the entire Foundation when they realise they've done it," she said.

"They've organised and run a festival after working towards it for so many years.”

"It will be a wonderful day and a huge milestone for the family. I'm just so happy that we've been able to play a part in helping make it happen."

The festival may be the beginning, with opportunities to continue working together as the Foundation works towards their long-term vision.

Keep an eye on our website and social media as we look forward to sharing the success of the festival later in the year.

Join the celebration

Womma Mukurta Festival 2026

Saturday 14 November 2026
Mount Barker, South Australia
Free community event

Register and learn more:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/womma-mukurta-festival-2026-tickets-1998282626127?aff=oddtdtcreator