Balya Productions

28/08/2026

A little NIMAs reflection through the moments captured behind the scenes 🖤📸 Shane Mankitya Cook

Most people see what happens on stage. These photos capture a little of what it takes behind it.

The bump in, rehearsals, changeovers, problem solving, being gig fit, watching the clock, and those moments side stage when everything you’ve been working towards finally comes together.

After five years Stage Managing the NIMAs, it’s still incredibly special to stand side stage on Larrakia Country and watch our artists, culture and stories take over the stage and captivate an audience.

Creating space for more First Nations crew to be part of the teams that make these events happen is exactly why Balya exists.

We don’t just belong on the stage. We belong behind it too.

Proud of our crew. Proud of the work. Proud to keep creating pathways behind the scenes.

26/08/2026

Yas!! 👏🏾

Blakvine!
The Art House have partnered with NAISDA, Australia’s leading performing arts Registered Training Organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, to launch of a new training program, CUA40425 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services.

The partnership reflects a growing industry response to a technical skills shortage as a new pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students seeking careers in lighting, sound, staging, production and live events.

NAISDA is currently calling for applicants for the first intake of CUA40425 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services in February 2027.
Applications close 31 August followed by onsite auditions in late September.

Find out more and apply:
naisda.com.au/apply-to-naisda/

Image: Yillen Clement, NAISDA Mid-Year Show 2026 Trainee Assistant Stage Manager. Photography by Lisa Haymes

20/08/2026

First Nations Music Industry Review has launched

Check out the Support Act website for more information

The website includes information on 22 opportunities for First Nations music workers to engage and participate in the Review.

These opportunities comprise 17 in-person consultations nationally, 4 online consultations, the online survey, and an online submission option - all available from August through November 2026

19/08/2026

The Balya Productions crew are heading to triple j’s One Night Stand in Griffith, NSW this September!

8 First Nations crew will be working behind the scenes as part of the stage crew. The crew will gain hands-on experience while learning from and being guided by experienced industry professionals across live production and event delivery.

This is what the Balya Productions First Nations Music Workforce Development Program is all about. Creating culturally safe, real-world opportunities for First Nations crew to build their skills, confidence, networks and their experience on major stages.

A big shout out to HFJ and the wider production team and Triple J for getting behind Balya and supporting this opportunity for our crew. It takes industry backing and people willing to share their knowledge to create genuine pathways for the next generation coming through. 🫱🏾‍🫲🏼

15/08/2026

What does it mean to be Balya working at the National Indigenous Music Awards 2026?

Hear from the crew who’ve worked alongside us and experienced what Balya is all about 🫱🏾‍🫲🏼 Community. Culture. Connection.

Creating culturally safe pathways, real industry experience and opportunities for First Nations people across music, live production and events.

Shout out to Brother Shane Cook behind the camera and his assistant Latisha for helping us capture the stories and faces behind Balya. 🎥 📸 SCART

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and APRA AMCOS, and is guided by our National Industry Advisory Committee, bringing together respected leaders from across the industry.

05/08/2026

Honoured to be announced as one of the first 25 speakers for the 2026 Regional & Remote Music Summit in Berrin / Mount Gambier.

Looking forward to joining an incredible lineup of industry leaders to share my experience in live music, workforce development, and creating stronger pathways for First Nations people in our industry.

Thank you to MusicSA and the Regional & Remote Music Summit team for the invitation. See you in October! 💙

14/07/2026

What a week. ❤️💛🖤💚🤍💙

Thank you to the NAIDOC SA Committee for trusting Balya Productions and the full First Nations event team behind the scenes to deliver the 2026 NAIDOC SA March & Family Festival.

Proud to stand alongside an incredible team delivering for our community. Thank you to everyone who played a part 🫱🏾‍🫲🏼

📸 Ben Searcy

06/07/2026

Thelma Plum’s ‘I Don’t Play That Song Anymore’ Acoustic Australian Tour kicks off this week!

Adelaide! don’t wait too long… tickets are on sale now! 👀

As we head into NAIDOC Week, it’s one of our biggest months of the year.

While advancing this incredible national tour, Balya Productions is also delivering major community events across Kaurna and Larrakia Country over the coming month.

From community celebrations to national touring, we’re proud to support Blak artists and create opportunities both on and off the stage, working across community, industry and the live music sector.

Thelma Plum
🎫 https://www.thelmaplum.com/shows

01/07/2026

NAIDOC Week is around the corner
❤️🖤💛💚🤍💙

For the past five years, Balya has had the privilege of leading the event management of the NAIDOC SA March & Family Festival alongside an incredible team, the NAIDOC Commitee and the Community.

Every year is different, but the purpose remains the same: creating a safe, respectful and meaningful day to celebrate and honour the strength, resilience and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A huge thank you to everyone who continues to make this day possible. It truly takes a community.

24/06/2026

STALL REGISTRATIONS NOW CLOSED

Thank you to everyone who registered to host a stall at the 2026 NAIDOC SA Family Festival.
We have been overwhelmed by the interest and support from organisations, businesses, community groups and stallholders wanting to be part of this year's event.

Stall registrations are now officially closed, and we look forward to welcoming a fantastic range of exhibitors and activities to Tarntanyangga on Friday 10 July.

Thank you for helping us celebrate 50 Years Deadly with our community. We can't wait to see you there! 🖤💛❤️