Tommy - Welcome, Smoking and Yidaki
Tommy - Welcome, Smoking and Yidaki
TOMMY is a proud Yugera man and Traditional Owner representing the Toorabul and Jagera clans of the Yuggera language speaking nation. His ancestral lands span the wider Brisbane area, extending south to the Logan River, north to Caboolture and between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range. He is a direct descendant of Grandfather Mookin, a master linguist and the last official Message Stick Carrier for the Yagara nation. TOMMY maintains this significant lineage by providing authentic cultural services for major corporate conferences and local community gatherings throughout Queensland.
Tommys cultural experience includes traditional smoking ceremonies and yidaki performances, using skills that has been passed down through generations of his family. He delivers an arrangement of stories and lore that serve as a highlight for government events and cultural showcases. All bookings and artist coordination for TOMMY are managed directly through Artist Bookings. TOMMY is available for hire for events in Brisbane, regional Queensland and Australia-wide.
Instrumentation: Yidaki
Genre: Traditional and contemporary Aboriginal music
Size: Solo
Hire For: Significant cultural and social events, Sporting functions, Welcome and Acknowledgment to Country events, Opening ceremonies, Festivals, Local, State and Federal government events, Corporate functions
Location: Brisbane
“Outstanding Welcome to Country Experience
Uncle Tommy, supported by his assistant Max, delivered an exceptional Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, and Yidaki performance that left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
From the moment he began speaking, Uncle Tommy’s genuine passion for Yuggera Country was evident. He shared his genealogy, cultural knowledge, and personal connection to Country with such warmth, authenticity, and sincerity. His heartfelt storytelling provided a deeper understanding of the significance of the ceremony, helping everyone appreciate the enduring connection between people, culture, and Country.
What made the experience truly special was the way Uncle Tommy explained each element of the ceremony. His words were engaging, meaningful, and deeply moving, creating an atmosphere of respect, reflection, and connection. The Smoking Ceremony and Yidaki performance were both powerful and enriching, and his passion for preserving and sharing culture shone through every aspect of the experience.
Max’s support throughout the ceremony complemented the experience beautifully, helping to ensure everything ran seamlessly and professionally.
I cannot recommend Uncle Tommy highly enough. If you are looking for an authentic, impactful, and culturally enriching Welcome to Country on Yuggera Country, Uncle Tommy delivers an unforgettable experience. His knowledge, generosity, passion, and genuine love for Country make his ceremonies truly meaningful and memorable. A well-deserved five stars.”