Tamworth is getting ready for a day of celebration, connection and family fun as Viaduct Park becomes the heart of the community on Tuesday, 30 September. From 10am until 2pm, the Cultural Family Fun Day will transform the park into a vibrant gathering place, filled with music, dance, children’s entertainment and plenty of good food to share.
Hosted by the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS) Incorporated in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, the event is designed to bring people together in a welcoming and joyful way. It’s all about celebrating culture and community, while also giving locals a chance to connect with the many support services available in the region.
Safety and Wellbeing Manager for TAMS Chris Allen is excited for the 3rd year of this fun day out.
“The whole event was born coming out of COVID,” said Mr Allen.
“We wanted to create a day where people could come out and get that sense of community connection that we’d lost.”
“We’re hoping this will be a big one this year. The last two years we’ve run it in the week after NAIDOC but it’s just too cold that time of year. I’ve been checking the forecast and at the moment we’re looking at 24 degrees and sunshine,” he said.
The day will begin with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, setting the scene for a celebration rooted in respect and tradition. From there, the program flows into a feast of entertainment. The crowd will be treated to the energy and grace of the Gomeroi Dance Academy, and Bushtucka Bunjie will be on hand to share stories and cultural activities that give both children and adults a chance to learn something new. Keeping the atmosphere lively, the Route 37 Band will provide live music throughout the day.
When asked how this role fits within the context of the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community in Tamworth, Mr Allen said, “Honestly, I don’t even think of it like that – it’s just a community event – we’re all doing it tough. It’s a free fun day out so people can come out, have a feed, the kids can have a play, the parents and grandparents can sit down and relax and listen to some music.”
In a big highlight for this year, Mr Allen has also confirmed that players from the Walgett Aboriginal Connection NRL and NRLW teams will also be attending on the day, ahead of them hosting the Koori Knockout on October 3-6.
Of course, no community celebration is complete without something for the kids, and this event has gone all out. Families can look forward to rides, dodgems, jumping castles, face painting and snow cones, ensuring young ones are kept entertained and smiling. To keep everyone fuelled, The Deck will be serving up a free feed, making sure no one misses out on a tasty bite while enjoying the festivities.
Around the park, stalls from local service providers will give people the chance to connect with organisations that support health, wellbeing and community life.
For the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service, it’s about creating a relaxed, fun environment where people can feel comfortable exploring what’s on offer while also celebrating the strength and pride of the local community.
The Cultural Family Fun Day is more than just an event on the calendar—it’s a chance for families, Elders, young people and visitors alike to come together and share in something special. It’s about honouring culture, embracing community spirit and making memories with family and friends. Best of all, the day is completely free, so everyone is welcome to come along and join in.
Whether you’re there for the music, the dance, the food, or simply the chance to enjoy a day out in the park, this is shaping up to be one of the highlights of Tamworth’s spring.
The organisers are inviting everyone to bring their family, their friends, and an open heart for a celebration that’s all about connection, culture and community pride.
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