With an unbeatable lineup of top musicians like Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi, Katchafire and Jon Stevens to name but a few the festival is set to rock.

Our North West Star Journalist caught up with Jon Stevens recently.

You may remember him as the lead singer from the band Noiseworks, INXS and the Dead Daisies.

He is recognised as one of the most talented rock musicians to emerge from Australia and has had phenomenal success as a solo artist – recently releasing a solo album Starlight.

Stevens said he was very excited about coming to the festival.

“It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to play at a festival like this.

“I’m looking forward to being in the Outback which I don't get to see very often.”

“I arrive the day before and am excited to meet some of the crew. It's a very eclectic bunch or musicians and artists,” he said.

Stevens said he really wanted to see Archie Roche perform.

“He’s such an icon Aboriginal leader and musician. His work has been recognised locally and internationally, in mainstream and indigenous circles. 

“The kiwi boys – Katchafire- are coming as well and I’m looking forward to being where all my bros and sisters are again,” he said.

Stevens is of Māori descent, has six sisters and is the youngest of 11 children. 

The festival includes aspects to empower its female population via a number of “women’s empowerment programs” in the form of the Rodeo Queen and Princess Ball.

“The woman is the matriarch of the family and she should be revered. The younger generation should learn to respect women, it’s all about education,” he said.

Founder and Creative Director Alec Doomadgee said for a long time our First Nation women have been treated badly but we want to break that mold and empower our women again.

“We want to put them back on the pedestal.”

Doomadgee said it’s going to be one mighty celebration on country.