As part of an increasing program of Aboriginal cultural events on Rottnest Island, national award-winning Noongar guide Walter McGuire of Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences will present a series of Dreamtime stories beneath the backdrop of the beautiful Wadjemup night sky.
'Djindoon Djenung at Wadjemup', Noongar for 'look to the stars', will encompass Dreamtime stories that tell of the moon, the stars and the heavens.
The event starts at 5:15pm on North Thomson beach with a Welcome to Country including a Welcome statement in Noongar and traditional song sung to the 'kylie' (singing boomerangs). This will be followed by a traditional Sand or Water Ceremony at the ocean's edge to honour and pay respect to the Noongar ancestors before the storytelling begins.
Walter will then guide participants on their exploration of the night sky. The event concludes with a smoking ceremony using native South-West ingredients to bring blessings, healing and connection to the land and each other.
'Djindoon Djenung at Wadjemup' is a free event and will take place on May 14 and 28, June 11 and July 2. The May 28 event coincides with Reconciliation Week and will feature a Wagyl Rainbow Serpent dance.
The event will be supported by a late return ferry service at 7:15pm.
To ensure a COVID Safe event, tickets must be booked as capacity is limited. Bookings can be made at http://www.rottnestisland.com
NAIDOC Week (July 4-11) will be celebrated on Rottnest with a range of activities, including a jazz performance in Noongar by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse.
The island will also host the 15th edition of the Wadjemup Cup football tournament featuring school students from Clontarf academies across Western Australia in November.
As stated by Tourism Minister David Templeman:
"I am looking forward to this event of storytelling and stargazing during the seasons of Djeran and Makuru at Wadjemup (Rottnest Island).
"This will be a relaxed and family-friendly gathering where people can bring their own blankets and chairs to make themselves comfortable on the beach while they enjoy local Dreamtime stories.
"It is especially exciting to see the May 28 event coincide with National Reconciliation Week which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
"I would encourage people to take an early ferry to the island and to also visit the Wadjemup Museum, which has undergone a major refurbishment and reopened late last year."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:
"We know that more than 80 per cent of visitors to WA want an Aboriginal experience and there's huge demand and opportunities to grow this sector.
"Aboriginal tourism is a key part of WA's tourism industry; it creates jobs and economic prosperity across urban and regional communities.
"We are really fortunate to be in a position where we are free to travel within the State thanks to our world-leading response to the pandemic.
"I would encourage Western Australians to support these special Dreamtime events and to gain insight into Aboriginal astronomy and culture."
Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5400
