Ash visited the Alpine Shire during May with a free community concert and many visits around the Shire sharing his knowledge and showcasing his talents.
We are pleased to announce he will be joining us again in October for more FREE Community Concerts.
Alpine Shire is set to resonate with the captivating sounds and rich cultural storytelling of Ash Dargan, a distinguished Larrakia artist, cultural educator and storyteller from Darwin.
Mr Dargan is celebrated as one of Australia’s premier performers and recording artists on the Didgeridoo. His unique blend of Australian Indigenous instrumental world music has garnered international acclaim since 1996.
Dargan's career took off in the USA in 1995 through a collaboration with world music producer Jim Wilson, resulting in a PolyGram release that reached the top 10 in the US world music charts.
Returning to Australia, Mr Dargan recorded extensively with the Indigenous Australia label, promoting his art both nationally and globally. Throughout the 2000s, he served as a cultural ambassador for the Northern Territory, captivating audiences worldwide with his multimedia storytelling show, 'Territory'.
His contributions to music have been recognized with nominations for 'Best New Release' at the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) in 2000 and the Native American Music Awards (NAMA) in 2008.
Mr Dargan's performances are known for their lyrical storytelling and musical prowess, capturing the rhythmic soul of the Australian landscape and reflecting a deep connection to Aboriginal culture. He has also toured with the Aboriginal rock band 'Coloured Stone' and contributed to the 'Rhythms in Nature' album.
In addition to his musical achievements, Mr Dargan holds a Master’s degree in Indigenous Studies and has applied his talents in therapeutic settings, working across education, mental health, and community services to promote culturally informed approaches to community wellbeing. Ash is a Larrakia man and Social and Emotional Wellbeing specialist from Darwin. He is the National Lead Facilitator for Wealli Trauma Informed trainings developed by Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson who significantly contributed to Australia’s understanding of Generational Trauma.
Ash gained a Masters of Indigenous Studies under Dr. Judy Atkinson following her work in Trauma Informed approaches to community recovery as the Australian Federal Government moved to set up and fund the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation.
As a critically reflective thinker he bridges the cultural divide allowing ideas to flow into actions that make sense for services and consumers.
