We support this public statement from the Elders of the Gumbaynggirr Nation who worked with Lovefest 2025.This petition will be sent to Bellingen Shire Council. 

Public Statement for Community Release. 

Public Statement from the Elders of the Gumbaynggirr Nation who worked with Lovefest 2025.

We, the Elders of the Gumbaynggirr Nation, wish to address the community regarding our experience at the recent Lovefest festival held in the Thora Valley 2025. 

Our Elders worked with the event with the intention of sharing our culture, values, and traditions in a spirit of peace and Unity.  We brought our sacred fire, our dancers, our ceremonies, music, creative weaving and our willingness to speak with the public about the deep cultural significance of Gumbaynggirr Country.

However, throughout the event, we were subjected to treatment that was disrespectful to us as Elders and to our culture as First Nations Peoples.  Our cultural protocols were not honored, our presence was not respected, and the behaviour directed towards us caused deep hurt within our community. 

Despite this, we upheld our responsibilities and continued our cultural practices with dignity and harmony.  But the harm done cannot be overlooked. 

As custodians of these lands, we have a responsibility to protect our culture, our people, and our country.  Therefore, we are publicly stating our strong opposition to Lovefest returning to Gumbaynggirr Homelands, in 2026.

We do not support the festival being held on our country again, and we call for it to be prohibited from operating on Gumbaynggirr Nation in the future. 

Our culture is sacred.  Our Elders deserve respect.  Our country must be honoured. 

In Unity,

The Elders of the Gumbaynggirr Nation.

Who worked with Lovefest 2025.