Djirri Djirri

Mandy is the founder, singer and songwriter of Djirri Djirri. She has been part of other mixed dance groups for over 20 years, and formed Djirri Djirri in 2013 with members of her family. Mandy is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Mandy's Spirit Protector is Gawarn the echidna.

Dharna is Mandy's daughter and also one of our lead dancers. She has been part of Djirri Djirri since conception in 2013, after being part of other dance groups since she was 3. Dharna is Wurundjeri, Yorta Yorta , Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Dharna's Spirit Protector is Bundabun the long necked turtle.

Ky-ya is also Mandy's daughter and another one of our lead dancers. She has been dancing since she was 3. Ky-ya also helps create the dance moves with her sister Dharna, but also sings and composes some of the Djirri Djirri songs. Ky-ya is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Ky-ya's Spirit Protector is Walert the possum.

Stacie has been dancing since 2017 and helps with creating new dances. She also takes the lead when Mandy is unavailable and explains all the cultural elements of dances and attire. Stacie is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung, and Ngurai illum wurrung. Stacie's Spirit Protector  is Dandan the rainbow lorikeet.

Sue-Anne has been dancing since 2017.  She supports her daughter Jedda, by dancing with her. Sue-Anne also takes the lead in Mandy's absence, and speaks about the healing involved in cultural dance. Sue-Anne is Wurundjeri and Ngurai illum wurrung. Sue-Anne's Spirit Protector is Dulum the black duck.

Sam has been dancing since 2017. She supports her 3 daughters, Bella, Laila and baby Azalea to be immersed in culture. Sam is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Sam will be receiving her Spirit Protector at our next ceremony.

Mikayla has been dancing since 2017. She is also a mentor, and  one of the leaders who run our dance workshops. Mikayla is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Mikayla's Spirit Protector is Gunuwarra the black swan.

Kiera has been dancing since 2017. She is another mentor for the younger dancers and holds her cultural pride high. Kiera is Wurundjeri and Ngurai illum wurrung. Kiera's Spirit Protector is Ngawanj the sun.

Hailey has been dancing since 2017. She is an up and coming mentor and also holds her cultural pride high. Hailey is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Hailey's Spirit Protector  is Wurru wurru the sky.

Nanjera has been dancing since she was 4. She is one of the original members of Djirri Djirri. She always dances with pride and now dances with a possum skin belt she gained by going through the Murrum Turrukuruk Ceremony (Coming of Age). Nanjera is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung, Ngurai illum wurrung and Gunnai. Nanjera's Spirit Protector is the Kingfisher and her name means the fresh water mussel.

One of our little  Djirri Djirri's, Fenna has been dancing with us since she was 2 along with her mum Stacie. She is Wurundjeri Dja Dja wurrung, Ngurai illum wurrung and Gunditjmara. Her Spirit Protectors are Muk Muk the Mopoke and the Black Cockatoo. She went through her first ceremony when she was 1 year old.

One of our Yinga Guyup Guyup (Song Birds), Djirra has been dancing with us since she was 3, along with her sister Nanjera. She not only dances but sings with her Aunty Mandy and cousins Jedda and Laila. She is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung, Ngurai illum wurrung and Gunnai. Her Spirit Protectors are Ngarrert the frog and Balam Balam the butterfly

Another little Djirri Djirri, Azalea has been dancing since she was a babe in arms. She dances along with her 2 sisters and mum. She is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Azalea will be receiving her Spirit Protector at the next ceremony.

Introducing our youngest Djirri Djirri, baby Tiyawi who danced for the first time in ihis mums arms at 2 months old. Tiyawi is Wurundjeri, Gunditjmara, Dja Dja wurrung, Ngurai illum wurrung, Yorta Yorta, Gunggari and Ngarrindjerri. Tiyawi's Spirit Protector is Gurrng Gurrng the Kookaburra. Djirri Djirri's littlest warrior!

Another Yinga Guyup Guyup (Song Bird) Jedda has been dancing and singing with us since she was 8 years old. She helps her Aunty Mandy sing all of our songs in Woiwurrung and is a Wurundjeri, Ngurai illam wurrung and Kalkadoon. Jedda's Spirit Protector is Dulai wurrung the Platypus.

Jedda (left), was the first to sing with Mandy, Laila (centre) and Djirra (right) followed. Now they are our three 'wayibu yinga guyup-guyup' (little song birds). Jedda is Wurundjeri, Kalkadoon and Ngurai illum wurrung. Laila is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Djirra is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung, Ngurai illum wurrung and Gunnai. Jedda's Spirit Protector is Dulai wurrung the platypus. Laila's is Wimbirr the Wallaby and Djirra's are Ngarrert the frog and Balam balam the butterfly .

Bella has been dancing with Djirri Djirri since 2017. She is a very passionate dancer and is a future leader. Bella is Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung. Bella's Spirit Protector  is Djirri Djirri the Willy Wagtail.