WugulOra Morning Ceremony

WugulOra means “One Mob”

Since 2003, this moving ceremony has symbolised how we can embrace each other, united in a spirit of togetherness.

WugulOra celebrates the culture of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, told through dance, song, and storytelling. It features a smoking ceremony performed over countless generations that offers cleansing and healing for new beginnings and fresh inspiration for our future. It is a time for reflection, understanding and reconciliation when we gather as a nation proudly anchored by sacred rituals and beliefs.

WugulOra 2026

The ceremony began with the arrival of the ceremonial flame which made its way on the Tribal Warrior to Barangaroo. Lit the day before in recognition of the Day of Mourning, the ceremonial flame represents the enduring spirit of connection, healing and renewal. It was tended overnight by elders on Me-Mel (Goat Island), before travelling across the harbour to WugulOra.   

Host Matty Mills introduced a spectacular lineup of First Nations talent including:

• Yidaki Orchestra: representing the four winds and boasting Australia's most celebrated Yidaki players - William Barton (East), Jayden Boundry (West), Jamie Goldsmith (South), William Hewitt (North) - came together to share their songlines.
• Rrawun Maymuru: distinguished Yolnu songman and current frontman of Yothu Yindi.
• Cianna Walker & Olivia Coe Fox: a dynamic duo of young First Nations women singing the Australian National Anthem in Eora and English 
• Doonooch Dancers: Intergenerational dance troupe specialising in restoring culture.

The ceremony included speeches from the NSW Governor, NSW Premier, and an address from Yvonne Weldon AM, Chair, Australia Day Council of NSW and representative of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

WugulOra was broadcast live on NITV and simulcast on SBS and SBS On Demand.