Published on Thursday, 3 February 2022 at 2:31:40 PM

Over one hundred residents, new and old, gathered at Mary Crescent Reserve on 26 January to Celebrate Birak, the Noongar season of December and January.

It was a warm welcome for the 29 adults and 2 children who joined our community in celebrating the culture of the traditional custodians of the land on which they were pledging loyalty to Australia.

The morning kicked off with a breakfast provided by the Bassendean SES volunteers, followed by a Welcome to Country by Trevor Stack, a Noongar man with connections to Whadjuk, Ballardong, Tued and Wardandi clans of Western Australia.

This was followed by a moving musical performance by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, a marvellous Karaak and Marri showcase presented by Bassendean Primary School students and a traditional performance from the Gya Ngoorp dance group.

 Mayor Hamilton was honoured to be part of the day,

“It was such a special experience to be involved in a strong community display of unity, culture and connection, especially given it was my first citizenship ceremony as Mayor. I warmly welcome all of those who became new Australians that day and thank everyone for their contributions and participation.”

Image: Bassendean Primary School Karaak and Marri performance.

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