PEOPLE came flooding in from all over Arnhem Land. From the outstations around Jabiru. From Yirrkala and Galiwinku in the east, to Warruwi, Maningrida, Minjilang and Gunbalanya in the west. For two days, throughout the the Gurrung Sports Carnival and long into the night of the Mahbilil Festival, Jabiru, in the heart of Kakadu National Park, was home to a thriving hub of activity. One surprise announcement in the short build-up to Mahbilil was the extremely popular inclusion of the Djuki Mala dance group, or Chooky Dancers. Mandy Garling kicked off the musical acts, which also included Neville Namarnjilk, the Mimi Band, the Bininj Band and The Minjilang Connection, along with performances from Kindred Circus, Bininj Gunborrk and Gunbalanya Dancers. Plus there was the headline act, East Journey, all the way from Yirrkala in East Arnhem Land.
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