‘Everyone’s story is relevant’: Country 2026

A familiar scent of eucalyptus wafted throughout the auditorium as audience members were invited to crush the gum leaves placed on their seats.

Delivering a multisensory immersive experience, EDGE Fest’s collaborative event Country 2026 invited the audience into what Country means.

The Hungry Spirit founder Rebel Black has been collaborating on creative projects with her friends Donna and Warren Mason for more than 26 years.

When the Masons created Tin Camp Studios, more opportunities to work together emerged, including EDGE Fest.

Rebel said when there was funding available for music and creativity in the COVID years, they took the opportunity to construct a Tin Camp studio at The Hungry Spirit in Lightning Ridge.

EDGE Fest was created at the same time, giving creatives and artists paid work and reactivating the community by coming together.

Donna explained Tin Camp Studios was inspired by the tin camps on the edges of communities where Aboriginal people lived because they were not allowed to live in town.

There was a separation from culture and heritage that meant Aboriginal people were not able to express their language or dance.

Donna said they lost their voices across many divides.

Tin Camp Studios was developed to help young artists share their stories and find their voices in a safe space.

Warren said this vision began with sharing his own story through music for his own personal healing.

“My story is one of healing, past injustice, First Nations people,” he said. “[We] create opportunities for young artists to share their stories.”

“Everyone’s story is relevant. It doesn’t matter where you come from or where you’re going.”

Tamworth was an opportunity to bring that space to more artists. Rebel said the collaboration was about building community and taking the audience on a journey.

The program developed through inviting people and opening space for them to express their voice, she said.

Donna said she was looking forward to the unexpected magic that comes out of such gatherings that couldn’t have been anticipated.

Some of the collaborators were meeting for the first time that morning, while others met for the first time on zoom a week earlier.

Artists performed original songs about country – what country meant to them – while a slideshow of original artwork and photography depicting country was projected behind them.

From the Snowy River region of Far East Gippsland, Misty Harlowe sang hauntingly about her great-grandfather’s life in the high plains of Omeo.

She said it was important for her to be a part of Country 2026 because so much of her music evolved around stories from the country.

It was an opportunity for her to show her appreciation and delve into that part of her artistry, as well as connect with other artists and their stories.

“Everyone’s got a different interpretation of what country means to them,” she said. “I think it’s so important that we all celebrate Australia and show appreciation for our country.”

For eight-year-old Cloncurry singer-songwriter Elenore Penny, performing at Tamworth Town Hall for the first time was an amazing experience.

“A lot of people and a really big stage,” she said.

First Nations youth band Budjirriwan performed an original song in language called “Wayilwan Nguramba-ga.”

Their music comes from an educational program that recovers and teaches young people their local Indigenous language.

Kelsey Iris’s song “Wounds” was one of healing and moving forward as she sang,

            Heal the wounds

            and Follow the steps

            That our ancestors left.

A Murrawarri, Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri woman, Kelsey expressed profound hope.

“The thing about wounds is they can be healed,” she said.

From Central West NSW, Nerida sang about Nangar. She explained when she is driving home from Sydney, when she sees Nangar she knows she is home.

She said Country 2026 was a rich experience of community, collaboration and celebration.

“I just had a lot of tears at the end,” she said. “It was just beautiful…I love seeing my audience’s faces and connecting.”

For communications strategy and services contact Key Change Communications. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Gallery