Murrook Cultural Festival - Performers
Josh Keys
Josh Keys is a proud Worimi man, born and raised in Sydney. Finding inspiration from folk greats like Bob Dylan and Nick Drake, whilst intertwining his love of jazz and blues brings unexpected turns of harmony and rhythm. Known for his intricate fingerpicking and soulful vocals, Josh blends introspective originals inspired by the human experience with classics.
Lisa Byrne
Byrne n Beets bring rhythm, soul, and story to the stage. Lisa Byrne, a proud Wiradjuri woman from the Narrandera Sandhills, and Nigel Beetson, a proud Murrawarri singer-songwriter who grew up in Brewarrina and now resides on Worimi Country, blend their roots and rhythms into a sound that’s uniquely their own.
Together, they perform a mix of laid-back and high-energy rock and country covers, infused with strong harmonies, catchy hooks, and raw emotion. They’ve also been co-writing some amazing new original songs that reflect their shared passion, storytelling, and connection to Country.
Nigel will release his new single “Blink”, and Lisa will release her first single “Hey Mumma”, both debuting at the Murrook Cultural Festival, marking an exciting new chapter in their musical journey.
Maddie Lilley
Barraba yitirr Maddie Lilley, ngathuwa Warrimaygaba barraygaba. I am a vocalist born and raised in Port Stephens who sings for my community and through my ancestors. Through contemporary language covers taught by my family and heartfelt music, I share my culture, emotion and story.
Midnight Dreaming
Over the past six years, Midnight Dreaming has grown into a powerful movement of innovation, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. Through her creative leadership, Renae has built platforms and spaces for cultural expression and opportunity — locally, nationally, and globally. Her work has taken her to Melbourne Fashion Week, and she has established an online e-commerce platform for her global brand as a designer.
Midnight Dreaming is more than a dance company — it is living movement. It carries the matriarchal lore of this nation and stands for truth, reconciliation, and education through art, language, and song.
Wanggaliyan Barrayga
Dancing On Country
Nigel Beetson
Murruwarri singer songwriter Nigel Beetson grew up in Brewarrina on the banks of Baiame's Ngunnhu the ancient fishtraps on the Barwon River. Beetson now resides in Worimi country. His new single Blink will be released at the Murrook Cultural Festival where will performing with his band Doc Beetson and the Muddy Boot Boys.
Olivia Coe Fox
Olivia Coe Fox, a proud Wiradjuri woman, is a contemporary Aboriginal artist as seen on The Voice Australia, who blends modern sounds with First Nations languages. Accompanied by Wiradjuri man Neenan Simpson on the didgeridoo, the duo share their Culture and pride through powerful performances that have captivated audiences across the country.
Marrumbang
Marrumbang is a powerful all-Indigenous band based in Sydney, formed on Gadigal land. Blending fresh original music, traditional songs in language, and soulful reinterpretations of popular tunes, Marrumbang brings a uniquely resonant and contemporary voice to the stage.
The name Marrumbang—meaning “love and kindness” in Wiradjuri—reflects the spirit of this collaborative project. With a dynamic and evolving lineup drawn from current students and alumni of Eora College, the group performs in versatile formats ranging from duos to quartets across Sydney and New South Wales.
Marrumbang is fronted by the soulful, sultry, and powerful vocals of proud Ngiyampaawoman Darlene Proberts, alongside singer-songwriter musicians Lizzie Keys from Worimi country (bass), Phil Bragg from Wirajuri (guitar), and James McAuley, a Gamilaroi man on captivating percussion.
Sharnee Fenwick
Sharnee Fenwick and her band bring a lively mix of country favourites and original songs to the Murrook Cultural Festival stage. A proud Barkindji and Kunja woman born on Awabakal Country, Sharnee returned to music in 2022 after a decade-long hiatus to raise her children, reigniting her lifelong passion for performing. Recently honoured with the 2025Newcastle NAIDOC Award for Music at the inaugural Newcastle NAIDOC Awards, Sharnee’s performance promises warmth, heart, and plenty of fun, celebrating culture, connection, and country music.
Yarrabah Songline Dancers
Yarrabah Songline Dancer's a self acclaimed culturally professional community dance troupe with over 40 yrs experience. Our vision is to support countrymen community business through sharing & networking ancient songline, healing & caring for Country and people. Each dance songs & stories is relevant to our Survival protecting our Lore and caring for Country environment. The ancient cultural mechanisms is alive healthy.
Reconnecting with Moorook Woorim Songling Festival event and other countrymen is Spiritually uplifting and will continue on bringing the ancient past to light and in the process needs action of awareness to be incorporated into Nation building better relationships and better community strong resilient society safe and sustainable for our People and new Australians.