Interview with Col Lyons

Make sure you arrive in time for the opening ceremony at 10am on Saturday 19 September to meet Col Lyons. A local resident, Col will welcome us to this special valley with the haunting sounds of his didgeridoo and, if we are lucky, a smoking ceremony.

KR: Col, you are a Wiradguri man and this is Darkinjung territory.
CL: Darkinjung land stretched for many many miles along the river and was like a point of connection between many Aboriginal peoples, including my people. I have been given permission to represent the Darkinjung people, who are the original owners of this magic place.

KR: As well as being a much respected member of our local community Col you are a crash hot didgeridoo player. When did you start to play?
CL: I learnt to play the didg using mum’s vacuum cleaner when I was 10, then, when I was a older, my father taught me to find the right trees and to carve didgeridoos.

KR: Col, you have lived in the Valley with your partner Rayleen for several years now. What do you both like about living in the Valley?
CL: It is a special place. Especially the people. We love to invite our grandchildren up here, and each time they come they not only have fun, but they learn so much about nature and life in general, just from being being here together. As a member of the St Albans Rural Fire Service I see how responding to people in need brings out the best in us all. And we have great neighbours.

KR: Yes. I heard about how you waded through chest high water to deliver medication to a neighbour. It was during the recent floods and yours was the nearest field where the SES helicopter could safely land.
CL: That’s what neighbours are for.

Thanks Col. We are looking forward to you welcoming us, and hearing you play, at the Festival.