Dr Lou Bennett AM

Dr Lou Bennett AM is a celebrated Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung composer, vocalist and language custodian, who rose to fame with the internationally acclaimed trio Tiddas (1990-2000). Bennett is a consummate performer, playing to audiences worldwide. In 2006-2014, Bennett was a co-founder and leader of the iconic Black Arm Band, helping transform the company into a prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts entity.

 

Bennett is a specialist in Sovereign Language Rematriation, working to retrieve, reclaim and regenerate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages through song, stories and performance.

 

Bennett’s most recent musical projects include nyilamum song cycles (2024-present), a multi-award-winning performance in collaboration with composer Paul Stanhope and the Australian String Quartet. Sung in Dja Dja Wurrung, the work weaves ancient knowledges and a celebration of language with contemporary reflections on land, identity and resilience.

 

Bennett has held numerous leadership and governance roles, including her ongoing position as Senior Lecturer Indigenous Studies (University of Melbourne), delivering the flagship course On Country Learning – created by her skin father Dy Wayne Atkinson. Bennett is also co-founder of Binung Boorigan, an Indigenous Arts, Research and Production Company (2016-present).