Michael Hohnen

Director
Bachelor of Arts (Music), Diploma of Education, Diploma of Music.

Michael has spent the last 20 years in the Northern Territory, working with many indigenous people, including musicians in over 20 remote communities. As a musician (double bass player) he trained in classical, touring Australia and Europe. Once in the NT, his work as Coordinator of VET Contemporary Music Certificate for CDU incorporated course delivery into remote Aboriginal communities. After the establishment independent record label – Skinnyfish Music with Mark Grose in 1999, Michael produced numerous ARIA award winning albums (Gurrumul, Saltwater Band, Nabarlek) as well has achieving his own ARIA nomination for Producer of the Year 2008. Michael was awarded Australian of the Year (NT) 2013 (in partnership with Mark Grose).

Latest

Children’s Songs appeal resources

Children’s Songs is a new Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation program that was scheduled to begin in 2020, but delayed due to Covid restrictions. The program has been introduced in 2021 in a modified form, to ensure everybody involved can participate safely, and observe health and safety guidelines established by the relevant authorities.
Children’s Songs appeal

Children’s Songs is a new Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation program that was scheduled to begin in 2020, but delayed due to Covid restrictions. The program has been introduced in 2021 in a modified form, to ensure everybody involved can participate safely, and observe health and safety guidelines established by the relevant authorities.
Indigenous Children’s Songs 2019

The Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation is pleased to announce that grant funding has been received from the Northern Territory Government to begin this exciting new two-year program. The program will collaborate with teachers, musicians and translators of six remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory to collect, translate and perform their children’s songs.
Galiwin’ku Healthy Lifestyle Festival 2019

The Galiwin’ku Festival was held during the week of June 24, 2019. The Festival was designed as a healthy lifestyle event, with health messages embedded in all of the activities.

Rob Collins

Born and raised in Darwin, Rob Collins graduated from the National Institute for Dramatic Arts in 2013. Rob’s theatre credits include a national tour of THE LION KING in the role of ‘Mufasa’ and as ‘Lysander’ in Sydney Theatre Company’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.
Damian Trotter

Director Damian Trotter is the Managing Director of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. After joining CBS Records (now Sony) in 1981, Damian held various positions within the company before leaving in 1990 to take up the position of General Manager of East West Records. He returned to Sony in 1991 when he was appointed to his current position. Following the merger of Sony/ATV Music Publishing with EMI Music Publishing in 2012, Damian was appointed Managing Director of both companies.
Barbara Pitman

Director Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Registered Nurse Barbara has an extensive background in developing learning materials, organisational / governance structures across arts, sport, recreation, health, community services and local government. The target audience for much of this material is Indigenous clients.
Professor Fiona Stanley AC

Director FAA, FASSA, MSc, MD, FFPHM, FAFPHM, FRACP, FRANZCOG, Hon DSc, Hon DUniv, Hon FRACGP, Hon MD, Hon FRCPCH, Hon LLB (honoris causa) Professor Stanley is the Founding Director and Patron of the Telethon Kids Institute, Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Western Australia, Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne, and current board member of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Mark Grose

Director/Chair Bachelor of Education Mark has a strong background in community development, remote Aboriginal community management and small business development. Thirty years of working in and engaging with Aboriginal communities across WA and the NT involving community management and remote community business development has given Mark a keen insight into the issues that affect remote communities.

About Gurrumul

Gurrumul was raised on Elcho Island, off the coast of North East Arnhem Land, as a member of the Gumatj clan. Born blind, his powerfully emotive yet fragile voice has affected the public unlike any other Australian artist. His songs covered themes of identity, spirit, connection with the land and its elements across multiple Yolngu languages as well as English.
Our Vision

The Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation’s vision is to create greater opportunities for remote Indigenous young people to realise their full potential and contribute to culturally vibrant and sustainable communities.
Michael Hohnen

Director Bachelor of Arts (Music), Diploma of Education, Diploma of Music. Michael has spent the last 20 years in the Northern Territory, working with many indigenous people, including musicians in over 20 remote communities. As a musician (double bass player) he trained in classical, touring Australia and Europe. Once in the NT, his work as Coordinator of VET Contemporary Music Certificate for CDU incorporated course delivery into remote Aboriginal communities.
About Us

Gurrumul’s Foundation was established in April 2013 with a clear purpose to engage and support young Indigenous Australians – particularly in remote communities – through long term programs and activities that build on their strengths and give them hope for the future.
Barunga Festival

The Barunga Festival is a celebration of remote Indigenous community life, held annually on the Queen’s birthday long weekend June in the small community of Barunga. Running annually since 1985, the festival has earned its place as one of the most important Indigenous festivals in regional Australia.
Damian Trotter

Director Damian Trotter is the Managing Director of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. After joining CBS Records (now Sony) in 1981, Damian held various positions within the company before leaving in 1990 to take up the position of General Manager of East West Records. He returned to Sony in 1991 when he was appointed to his current position. Following the merger of Sony/ATV Music Publishing with EMI Music Publishing in 2012, Damian was appointed Managing Director of both companies.
Galiwin’ku Healthy Lifestyle Festival 2019

The Galiwin’ku Festival was held during the week of June 24, 2019. The Festival was designed as a healthy lifestyle event, with health messages embedded in all of the activities.
Mark Grose

Director/Chair Bachelor of Education Mark has a strong background in community development, remote Aboriginal community management and small business development. Thirty years of working in and engaging with Aboriginal communities across WA and the NT involving community management and remote community business development has given Mark a keen insight into the issues that affect remote communities.
Concerts at 2015 Galiwin’ku Healthy Lifestyle Festival

Two great concerts, and a disco, were held as the finale to the Galiwin’ku Healthy Lifestyle Festival on Elcho Island, Gurrumul’s home, in early October, 2015. The Foundation was delighted to help make it happen and see a huge turnout of all ages.
Indigenous Children’s Songs 2019

The Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation is pleased to announce that grant funding has been received from the Northern Territory Government to begin this exciting new two-year program. The program will collaborate with teachers, musicians and translators of six remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory to collect, translate and perform their children’s songs.

Barunga Beats appeal

This vibrant and heart-warming program is in need of support to maintain and upgrade equipment and continue to involve the students of the Barunga School in professionally led Skills Development Workshops. Help us to keep the beat going, donate now. Read more

Donate

Children’s Songs appeal

Children’s Songs is a new Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation program that was scheduled to begin in 2020, but delayed due to Covid restrictions. The program has been introduced in 2021 in a modified form, to ensure everybody involved can participate safely, and observe health and safety guidelines established by the relevant authorities. Read more

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