Kobie Dee leads celebrations at Koojay Corroboree

Joseph Guenzler Published May 30, 2025 at 4.30pm (AWST)

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Koojay Corroboree is an annual celebration of Indigenous culture, tradition and dance. (Image: supplied)

Kobie Dee headlined the 10-year anniversary of Koojay Corroboree at Coogee Beach on Friday.

The proud Gomeroi man from Maroubra performed alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, including the Gamay Dancers, Saltwater Dancers, Galu Dancers, Jannawi Dance Clan, and Doonooch Dancers, who shared stories and cultural knowledge through dance.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said Koojay Corroboree is a demonstration of the strength of Indigenous cultures.

"It's a powerful testament to the enduring cultures, tradition and spirit of Australia's First Nations Peoples," Mayor Parker said.

Held during National Reconciliation Week, the event brings communities together to reflect on reconciliation efforts.

The program included a Smoking Ceremony by David Johnson from the Gujaga Foundation and a Welcome to Country by Aunty Maxine Ryan of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council.

*Luke Carol and the Saltwater Digi Players at the 2024 Koojay Corroboree. (Image: Supplied)*

The event also saw Matraville Soldiers' Settlement Public School students perform the anthem in Language.

Dance performances featured the Gamay Dancers, Saltwater Dancers from Chifley Public School, Galu Dancers from La Perouse Public School, and Doonooch Dancers.

Speeches were delivered by Mayor Dylan Parker, Melodie Gibson - the daughter of the late Aunty Suzanne Bryant - and students Tahlia Brown-Sait and Latarley Brown-Yeo from Matraville Sports High School.

*Olivia Coe-Fox and Cianna Walker perform at the 2024 Koojay Corroboree. (Image: Supplied)*

Live music ran from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, with performances by Kobie Dee, Jarrod Hickling (Githuabul), Zipporah (Samu and Suy from Saibai Island), and Sydney-based duo Cianna Walker (Walbunja and Gumbaynggirr) and Olivia Coe Fox (Wiradjuri).

Indigenous artists and makers also hosted cultural workshops and stalls.

Koojay Corroboree is organised by Randwick City Council and the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council.

It has been held annually since 2015 following advocacy by the late Aunty Suzanne Bryant.

This year, her daughter Melodie Gibson addressed the event to celebrate her legacy.

Mayor Parker said the Corroboree has become a key event for Randwick City.

"Koojay Corroboree has become a cornerstone of the Randwick City cultural calendar, and a beacon of hope for our community," Mayor Parker said.