Musical talents with disabilities are set to take center stage at the sold-out 2025 Mundi Mundi Festival, as the supergroup Headliners reunites for a special performance. This year’s event, held on the red-dirt plains of far-west New South Wales, is expected to attract a record crowd of nearly 15,000 music enthusiasts.
The festival will feature an impressive lineup, including renowned artists such as Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Cat Empire, Birds of Tokyo, The Angels, Kasey Chambers, Kate Ceberano, and Leo Sayer. For early bird campers, Headliners will kick off the festivities with a special show on the evening of August 6, 2025, ahead of the festival’s official opening on August 7.
Headliners gained recognition through the 2024 ABC TV documentary series that highlighted the challenges faced by musicians with disabilities. The series facilitated the formation of two bands, Sync or Swim and Together With Strangers, which performed at the previous Mundi Mundi Bash. Under the mentorship of industry figures like Elly-May Barnes, Ella Hooper, and Tim Rogers, these artists showcased their vibrant talents on the main stage.
Rehearsals for their upcoming performance took place in Sydney earlier this month, marking the first time the group has performed together since the documentary aired. Vocalist and guitarist Aimee expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “It’s quite amazing to see just how tight everyone was even on day one.”
The group, which includes members living with various disabilities, has forged a strong bond, with Aimee and fellow musician James taking on leadership roles. “All of us can relate on a deeper level,” James shared, emphasizing the unique dynamic within the group.
Aimee, who uses a prosthetic leg, and James, who has Tourette syndrome, have become the “mum and dad” of the self-managed ensemble. Their desire to share important messages about accessibility remains a central focus for the group. “The response from the show has been so positive and it’s changing people’s perspective,” Aimee noted.
Festival director Greg Donovan sees the return of Headliners as a significant step in the festival’s mission. “We’ve always prided ourselves on inclusivity,” he stated. “Last year’s collaboration with Headliners reframed what that looks like—not just for audiences, but for performers.”
The Mundi Mundi Festival is hosted at Belmont Station, located 9 kilometers north of Silverton and 35 kilometers from Broken Hill. The event has become a yearly pilgrimage for many music lovers. Since the last festival, the New South Wales government has improved access to the site by sealing the final 2.5 kilometers of road. However, police have cautioned that attendees should prepare for increased traffic between Broken Hill and Silverton throughout the weekend.
As excitement builds for this year’s festival, the return of Headliners not only highlights the incredible talents of musicians with disabilities but also reinforces the importance of inclusivity in the music industry.
