This podcast series explores how Newcastle’s Aboriginal communities share and tell stories. Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises that First Nations peoples have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first storytellers.  

Australia has the world’s oldest oral story telling culture and Newcastle has a rich collection of storytellers. 

Jake Ridgeway is a young indigenous singer, songwriter, performer based in Newcastle. Jacob weaves genuine storylines with sweet woven R&B/Rock grooves and soul drenched vocals into a warm melody grounded by his Worimi and Kamilaroi roots. The musical inspirations Jacob draw on include Troy Cassar-Daley, Justin Timberlake, Sam Hunt and Silverchair amongst others. 

This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.