Piyalbajarri: Yarns and Songs by Peter Salmon

Presented by: Southern Forest Arts, Circuit West and Ngaliju

Piyalbajarri: Yarns and Songs by Peter Salmon

Piyalbajarri (‘Yarns’) is a one-hour performance of stories and songs by 92-year-old Thiinma Elder, stockman and songwriter Peter Salmon, alongside his long-time collaborator Rosie Sitorus.

Peter shares stories from his remarkable life in both Thiinma and English. As the only living speaker of the critically endangered Thiinma language, he offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear it spoken while understanding every word. Each story is paired with original songs created by Peter and Rosie through their songwriting project, Warralgurniya (‘singing’).

With warmth, humour and the relaxed feel of campfire storytelling, Peter reflects on life on pastoral stations, his deep connection to Thiinma Country, and the resilience of culture across generations. Meanwhile, Rosie brings her expertise as a linguist, songwriter and performer, helping weave language, music and storytelling into a rich and engaging experience.

More than a performance, Piyalbajarri is a celebration of culture, language and lived experience. It offers a rare insight into one of Australia’s oldest living traditions while honouring the voice, wisdom and legacy of a truly remarkable Elder.

Details:

Date: Saturday 17 October 2026

Time: 6PM start – for approx 1 hour

BYO: Picnic, rug, chairs.

Venue: Manjimup Heritage Park

FREE but please register you are coming on: https://events.humanitix.com/piyalbajarri-yarns-and-songs-with-peter-salmon/tickets

WARNINGS: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that this presentation will show pictures of people who have passed away (used with their next of kin’s express permission).

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Meet Peter Salmon, a 92-year-old Thiinma Elder, songwriter and the last fluent speaker of the Thiinma language. Through heartfelt stories and songs, Peter shares his remarkable life, deep connection to Country and enduring resilience. Despite the many challenges he has faced, he continues to embrace life with both hands. His truth-telling is simply his story, shared in his own words for audiences to hear for the very first time.

Rosie Sitorus is a first-generation Australian linguist, songwriter and creative producer. For more than 14 years, she has worked with Aboriginal language communities across Western Australia to strengthen language, culture and community through creative projects. Alongside Thiinma Elder Peter Salmon, Rosie co-creates powerful music and storytelling through their partnership, Ngaliju. Together, they blend ancient languages with contemporary song to celebrate the living cultures of the Northwest.