I was also fortunate enough to be able to listen to Ash’s stunning playing on Didjeridu and flute (as well as drums and guitar), both in Naiuyu community and down at the crossing on the Daly River.
Ash is a very impressive individual and there is no doubt in my mind that he is going to achieve a great deal in helping his people and wider society. I felt honoured when Ash agreed to become a Sharing Culture Advisor/Healer. I look forward to many stimulating and rewarding discussions with Ash in the future, and to working together on projects of mutual interest.
'Ash Dargan is a Larrakia man from the Darwin region. He currently serves as a health professional promoting and engaging in raising social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ash has a breadth of experience in delivering measurable outcomes in program design, management, evaluation and research for both State and Federal initiatives. He has worked successfully across the justice, education, arts and community service sectors.
He was awarded a commendation for his work on the Healing Our Way program by Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O’Conner, in 2010 for his leadership and project development funded by the Attorney General’s Department. His previous and current NT coordinator roles have seen Ash organise and chair reference and national review groups for Mind Matters and The Black Dog Institute.
Prior to Ash’s current career, he saw much success as one of the world’s premier performers and recording artists on Mamalima (Didjeridu). His distinct blend of Australian indigenous instrumental world music saw him achieve worldwide acclaim through both recorded works and live performances throughout 1996-2008.
Whilst living in the USA he toured and collaborated with Native American flutist luminary Carlos Nakia, giving him the opportunity to engage with ethnomusicologists in universities across the United States. His last recording ‘Red Moon’, a collaboration with Cherokee Cello and Native American Flute, was nominated for best release at the Native American Music Awards 2008.
His music has been described as the soul of the Australian landscape with a timeless quality reflecting a deep connection and reverence for the spiritual wisdom of his ancestry.
Ash holds a Masters of Indigenous Studies (Wellbeing) from Southern Cross University, following the work of Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson on Trauma informed systems and approaches to service provision. He is a member of the International Golden Key Honour Society.'