More than 450 people gathered at Manjimup Heritage Park in April to celebrate the launch of Waangka Danjoo Nyininy – Our Yarning Circle, in what became a profoundly moving and uplifting community event for the Southern Forests & Valleys region.
The launch brought together local Aboriginal community members, schools, artists, Elders, performers, volunteers, organisations and supporters in a powerful celebration of Culture, Country and community connection on Pibulmun Noongar boodja.
Meaning “Talking Together Sitting” in Noongar language, Waangka Danjoo Nyininy has been developed over several years through genuine collaboration between Southern Forest Arts, members of the local Aboriginal community and the Shire of Manjimup. The project responds to a long-identified need for a dedicated place where culture can be shared, kaatidjin (knowledge) passed on, and community connections strengthened.
The audience — including students from nine schools across six towns — experienced a unique series of talks, songs, storytelling, dance, giant puppetry and ceremony, all centred around the unveiling of the new yarning circle space within the Heritage Park.
The event began at the Sandra Donovan Soundshell with a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country, storytelling, music and performances before the community was guided to the yarning circle for its official unveiling.
Interactive songs in language co-created by Noongar artist Kobi Morrison and local students were performed as part of the celebration, while giant puppetry and storytelling led by artist Karen Hethey brought the Noongar creation story to life through performances developed across school, community and Aboriginal-led workshops throughout the region. Cultural dance performances by Bindjareb Middars added further strength and energy to the event.
Led by Elders, the unveiling included the lighting of the fire pit, symbolising the yarning circle as an ongoing place for gathering, reflection, storytelling and the sharing of kaatidjin (knowledge) across generations.
A key feature of the space is a large-scale ceramic mosaic depicting a significant Noongar creation story. Designed by Noongar artist Cassandra Bynder and brought to life through more than 2,500 hand-carved tiles created with artist Teresa Richards, the mosaic involved contributions from more than 200 students across six schools through the broader Boodja Ni program.
The launch event itself was designed, developed and delivered through the leadership and collaboration of local Aboriginal community members, artists and cultural contributors.
Aunty Suzanne Kelly, a guiding force behind the project and respected Pibulmun Noongar Elder, said the yarning circle represents both visibility and connection for local Aboriginal people.
“Many of our mob here are doing great things which go largely unnoticed. Waangka Danjoo Nyininy showcases to everyone that we are here, we’ve always been here and look what we can achieve together.”
Southern Forest Arts described the project as one of the organisation’s most significant and meaningful community initiatives in its twenty years of operation.
“To say the launch was an absolute triumph is an understatement. The event was a profoundly moving, truly inclusive and joyously uplifting celebration of Culture, Country and Community.
“In Southern Forest Arts’ twenty years of operation, this project has been one of our shining highlights. We are incredibly proud and grateful to walk alongside First Nations people in this ongoing journey of care, connection and reconciliation.”
The project was made possible through the collective efforts of artists, schools, volunteers, organisations and community members from across the region.
Funding partners included the State Government of WA, Lotterywest, Shire of Manjimup, Karri Karrak and Regional Arts WA.
Project artists included Uncle Noel Nannup, Karen Hethey, Teresa Richards, Kobi Morrison, Cassandra Bynder, Sharyn Egan and Bindjareb Middars.
Community partners included the Manjimup Visitor Centre, Southern Forests Community Landcare, Garden Sculptures & Collectables Bridgetown, Oseca, Manjimup Senior High School, Manjimup Men’s Shed and the Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival.
Southern Forest Arts extends heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers, schools, community members and contributors who helped bring the project to life through years of collaboration, creativity and care.
Photo Credit: Julia Rau
Current exhibition: In the Quiet of the Land