Coober Pedy is preparing to gather around one of its most important community stories, with Umoona Community
Council Inc. celebrating 50 years of Aboriginal self-determination, culture, care and community leadership across
two anniversary events on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026.

From a free Comedy and Music Night headlined by Kevin Kropinyeri, the Australian Army Band, and DJ Stano –
to a formal day of ceremony, Elders’ stories, awards, music, dance, community lunch and shared reflection at
Umoona, the celebrations will recognise the people who have carried Umoona from its founding in 1975 to today –
and the role Umoona continues to play in the life of Coober Pedy.

For Aboriginal families, Umoona is a place of voice, culture, care, advocacy and belonging. For the wider Coober
Pedy community, Umoona is part of the town’s shared story – supporting children, families and Elders,
contributing to community safety and wellbeing, creating local partnerships, and showing what can be achieved
when services are community-led and grounded in culture.

Since its incorporation in 1975, Umoona Community Council Inc. has stood as a not-for-profit, Aboriginal
community-controlled organisation guided by a Board elected by the community. Umoona delivers culturally
responsive services, cultural programs and advocacy that support children, families, Elders and community
members, while strengthening culture, identity, connection to Country and local community life.

The anniversary theme – Honouring our past, celebrating our present, strengthening our future – reflects a
celebration that is both proud and forward-looking. The celebrations include:

• Wednesday 8 July 2026 – a free 18+ Comedy and Music Night at the Italian Club, Coober Pedy, with free
  meals from 6.00pm and entertainment from 7.00pm to 9.00pm;
• Thursday 9 July 2026 – the formal Umoona Community Council 50th Anniversary Celebration at Umoona
  Basketball Stadium, 8 Umoona Road, Coober Pedy, from 10.30am to 5.00pm;
• Welcome Gathering and Smoking Ceremony, cultural music, Welcome to Country, official opening, community
  reflections, Elders’ stories, traditional Inma dance, recognition and awards, community lunch, historical
  presentations, Umoona Tree storytelling and a closing ceremony;
• performances and entertainment involving Kevin Kropinyeri, the Australian Army Band, DJ Clinton “Stano”
  Dadleh and community performers; and
• recognition of Umoona’s founding members, including George Cooley and the families of the late Robin
  Walker, Barney Lennon, Kingsley Smith, Norman Hayes, Rylene Hudson, Betty Giles, Willy Williams and
  Ronnie Brown.
  
  The celebrations begin with laughter on Wednesday night, with Kevin Kropinyeri bringing national star
  power and plenty of warmth to the Coober Pedy stage.
  
  A proud Ngarrindjeri man from South Australia, Kevin is one of Australia’s most established and popular
  Aboriginal comedians, known for high-energy observational stand-up, joyful physical comedy and a long list of
  Australian television credits. His comedy invites Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences to share in story, culture
  and everyday life – making him an ideal headline performer for a milestone built on connection, resilience and
  community pride.
  
  Dean Walker, Chairperson of Umoona Community Council, said the 50th anniversary was a proud
  moment for Aboriginal families and for the whole of Coober Pedy.
  
  “Umoona was built by our Elders and founding members because Aboriginal people in Coober Pedy needed
  a strong voice, a place of our own, and an organisation led by our people,” Mr Walker said.
  
  “Fifty years later, that vision is still alive. Umoona is Aboriginal community-controlled, but its story is also part
  of the story of Coober Pedy. When Aboriginal families are strong, when culture is strong, when young people
  can see a future for themselves, the whole town is stronger.”
  
  “This anniversary is about honouring the people who started Umoona, recognising every family, worker,
  volunteer, funder, sponsor and partner who has carried it forward, and celebrating a future our young people
  can step into with culture, confidence and pride.”
  
  Dora Mushongera, General Manager of Umoona Community Council, said the celebrations were an
  invitation for media and the wider public to see the strength, generosity and spirit of the community.
  “This is a community celebration in the truest sense. We want people to come together, listen to Elders,
  share food, hear the music, see the dance, enjoy the laughter and understand why Umoona means so much
  to so many people,” Ms Mushongera said.
  
  “Umoona works every day alongside children, families, Elders and community members through services
  that are practical, culturally responsive and guided by local knowledge. Our work is centred on Aboriginal
  people, and it also contributes to the wellbeing, safety and future of the whole Coober Pedy community.”
  
  “We are deeply grateful to our Elders and families, our staff and volunteers, our partner organisations,
  sponsors and funders, and everyone who has walked with Umoona over five decades. This 50th anniversary
  belongs to them.”
  
  Hon Kyam Maher MLC, Deputy Premier of South Australia, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Attorney-
  General, said that he was very much looking forward to being with Umoona as part of the celebrations.
  
  “For 50 years, Umoona has championed Aboriginal self-determination, strengthening culture and caring for
  community. Umoona has played a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of community, dedicated to delivering
  services that are not only accessible but culturally responsive and community-led, Minister Maher said.
  
  “This milestone is a testament to the strength, resilience and leadership of Elders, community members and
  staff who have contributed to Umoona’s enduring legacy. Their commitment has helped preserve culture,
  build opportunity, and create a strong foundation for future generations.”
  
  “Celebrating this anniversary is an important opportunity to recognise and honour the many individuals who
  have shaped and sustained Umoona over the past five decades. It is also a moment to reflect on the
  progress made, while reaffirming a shared commitment to continuing this important work into the future.”
  
  “I’m very much looking forward to joining the community in celebrating this significant milestone and
  acknowledging the achievements and contributions of all who have been part of Umoona’s inspiring journey.”
  
  Umoona gratefully acknowledges the community Elders and families, partner organisations, sponsors, funders,
  volunteers and staff who have made the anniversary possible, including Aboriginal Lands Trust of South Australia,
  Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation, National Indigenous Australians Agency, Peak Iron
  Mines, Complete Personnel Group, BHP, Government of South Australia Department of Human Services,
  Umoona Tjutagku Health Service and Government of South Australia Department of Health and Wellbeing.
  
  Media from Coober Pedy, the Far North, regional South Australia, Adelaide and nationally are invited to attend by
  arrangement. The celebrations offer strong visual, audio and human-interest opportunities for television, radio,
  print and digital coverage. Story and content opportunities include:
  
• 50 years of Aboriginal self-determination and community-controlled leadership in the South Australian
  Outback;
• Umoona as part of the shared story and future of the whole Coober Pedy community;
• Elders’ stories and founding member reflections on “Our Journey Over 50 Years”;
• Kevin Kropinyeri’s Comedy Night performance and the role of laughter, storytelling and culture in bringing
  people together;
• Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country, traditional Inma dance, cultural music and the Australian Army
  Band;
• recognition and awards with Umoona leaders, founding families and dignitaries, including the Hon Kyam Maher
  MLC, Deputy Premier of South Australia; and
• Umoona today and moving forward – youth leadership, cultural knowledge, wellbeing, education, housing,
  community safety and protecting Country for future generations.