Dean Turner

The Laneway Festival in Melbourne is again honoured to present a stage named for one of our local music heroes, Dean Turner and proud to be supporting the Yiriman Project in his name. We ask that you select the $3 donation option when you purchase your ticket to Laneway this year.

Last year you raised over $20,000 which went directly into programs devoted to helping aboriginal youth in the Kimberley region (including a devastating suicide rate of 1 in 1200) by taking them ‘back to country’ in the company of their elders, where they can begin to reconnect with their culture and strengthen their sense of identity. This year, with your help, we hope to be able to provide Yiriman with even more funds to continue their great work. Congratulations to Yiriman for winning the Reconciliation Australia 2012 Indigenous Governance Award (IGA) for outstanding examples of Indigenous governance in a non-incorporated initiative or project.

Dean Turner passed away in August 2009 after a long courageous battle with an extremely rare form of cancer. As bass player and co-founder of Magic Dirt, Dean was deeply devoted to and passionate about music which was always evident in his energetic and enthusiastic stage presence. He was a unique individual with a beautiful soul and is a huge inspiration to many musicians. He provided his vast knowledge and support with humility, grace and integrity throughout his role as a songwriter, musician and producer. Dean worked tirelessly because music was one of the greatest joys in his life; he selflessly championed Australian music, was focused on encouraging young bands and hosted music workshops for secondary schools nationally. He was particularly generous with his time and advice and had a profound effect on people, always leaving a warm and inspired feeling.

The Dean Turner stage is an ongoing collaboration we will undertake with Dean˙s wife, Linda Bosidis, and their two girls, Charlie and Evie. We ask that everyone has Dean in their thoughts while enjoying the incredible acts that we have curated on this stage. Further to that, in consultation with Linda, we are proud to be supporting the Yiriman Project.

The Yiriman Project is a cultural youth diversionary project designed and governed by Elders from within a cultural block in the south-west Kimberley region. Since 2001, the project has assisted young indigenous people at risk from suicide, drug and alcohol abuse and criminal activity by joining them with Elders and re-connecting them with their land and culture.

The funds collected go directly to Yiriman and help them to deliver genuine and positive results by responding to the needs, anti-social behaviour and profound social disadvantages that their young people face.

It was Dean who suggested to us a few years back that it would be a nice touch to give people free public transport to and from the event and we have offered this since 2010.

Dean was a lover of live music, a great friend, a true inspiration and leader in the local music scene. Our goal is to remember our friend as we are celebrating what he loved most: his family, friends and incredible music.

Photo credit: Sophie Howarth