The Noongar season of Bunuru, known as 'the second summer' in February and March, are typically the hottest months of the year in the south west of Western Australia. It's a great time for gatherings.
The fourth edition of the Undulup Association's Act Belong Commit Bunuru Festival returns in the coastal hamlet of Prevelly to celebrate Indigenous culture and community on Wadandi Boodja.
The free events is family-friendly, smoke and vape free day out where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the community can come together, share stories and culture, learn new skills and see an exciting line-up of entertainment from some of Western Australia's best Indigenous talent.
The 2024 program includes free workshops and arts activities for the whole family from basket weaving to hip-hop workshops, group colouring in, keychain making and kite workshops.
The entertainment line-up includes six-time winners of the Western Australian Music Awards Indigenous Act of the Year, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, one of Australia's top didgeridoo players, talented songwriter and performing artist Phil Wally-Stack, musical alchemists with harmonies from the heart The Nomadics, Triple J Unearthed hip hop artist from Broome MissGenius and electric music creator Coen Fowler also known as BLTZ.
Undulup Association Chair Zac Webb said the festival is designed to showcase local Aboriginal culture and celebrate the season of Bunuru.
"It's about bringing community together, on country, to celebrate country," he said.
"I'm looking forward to seeing everyone out there, friends and families connecting and enjoying the music, crafts and things to do.
"And I'm really looking forward to the day itself, where our family can celebrate culture alongside the wider community that live and work on Saltwater Country."
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and water vessel and settle in for the day.
Limber up with energetic Noongar, Jingali rapper Zero Emcee, who will be workshopping funky hip-hop moves and facilitating a song writing workshop.
Living proof that age is no barrier is 13-year-old workshop leader Alkira of Alkria Designs who already has two awards to her name. In 2023, she was named the Emerging Business Woman of the Year Award, and the winner of the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum. Join Alkira in a keyring-making workshop.
During Bunuru, the wind shifts to bring hot easterlies and cooling afternoon breezes, the birds start migrating and the gums and banksias are blossoming. It is a great time be by the coast.
The Act Belong Commit Bunuru Festival will be held at Riflebutts Park from 12pm to 5pm on 24 February and is supported by Healthway, Lotterywest, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, The Shire of Augusta Margaret River and AHOY Management.
