Vivienne Mason

Vivienne “Viv” Mason is a respected Walbunja Elder of the Yuin nation, celebrated for her leadership in dance, storytelling, and community advocacy. Viv has dedicated her life to preserving culture and strengthening community connections.

As co-founder of the Djaadjawan Dancers, Viv is one of the South Coast’s senior traditional dancers. She revives women’s stories, songs, and ceremonies, performing at major cultural events and inspiring young people to continue Yuin traditions. The dancers’ outfits, crafted from stringybark, shells, feathers, and ochre are gathered locally, reflecting a deep connection to Country.

Viv is also a gifted storyteller and cultural educator. Through Gnarl Cultural Tours, she shares creation stories, totemic knowledge, bush foods, and Yuin family histories. In 2024, she collaborated with her daughter and granddaughter on Baranguba, a River of Art Festival production that blends traditional song and dance with animation, projections, music, and Dhurga language narration to re-imagine a tragic episode from Yuin history.

Beyond the arts, Viv’s impact on her community is profound. She founded the Katungal Aboriginal Medical Service, served on the Wagonga Land Council for over 40 years, served on the negotiating panel for the Biamanga Joint Boards of Management, and sat on one of the first ATSIC Boards. Viv’s life has been guided by her early mentors; Shirley Foster, Max Harrison, Belle McLeod, Jane Ardler, Vida Brown, and Mervyn Penrith who she acknowledges gave her unwavering support and advice.

Through her work in dance, storytelling, and community leadership, Viv ensures the stories, practices, and memory of the Yuin people continue to thrive for her family, her community, and all who wish to honour the living culture of the South Coast.