Iwarra Wilungga Program 2024

Iwarra Wilungga

Celebrating Urnura –

Festival of Aboriginal Art & Culture autumn BY THE SEA PROGRAM OF EVENTS

welcome to Iwarra Wilungga

The State Government is a proud sponsor of Iwarra Wilungga: Celebrating Urnura – Autumn by the Sea through Tourism Western Australia’s Regional Events Scheme (RES).

RES was established to support event holders across WA with the development of events to drive tourism to regional Western Australia. The scheme plays an important role in positioning the state’s five tourism regions as exciting destinations to visit and great places to live by showcasing and promoting the host region’s unique and diverse attractions.

A total of 65 regional events across WA have been funded through the 2023-24 RES, which also includes a $250,000 funding pool for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme, which exclusively allocates funding to events delivering Aboriginal activities and experiences.

The State Government, through Tourism WA, is proud to sponsor these regional events, which help bring vitality to local communities and drive visitor spend, injecting millions into regional economies.

Tourism is a key part of the State Government’s plan to diversify the economy, create jobs and develop business opportunities, especially in regional Western Australia.

Events play an important role in this plan, with the State Government sponsoring a range of sporting, cultural, arts and culinary events across Western Australia through Tourism WA, to attract visitors to our state and encourage them to stay longer, disperse further and spend more while they are here.

We hope everyone enjoys this event and takes the time to explore the Mid West region.

Hon Rita Saffioti MLA Deputy Premier; Minister for Tourism

Hon Don Punch MLA Minister for Regional Development

welcome from the mayor

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the Iwarra Wilungga Festival of Aboriginal Art and Culture. While the festival’s name translates to “Spring by the Sea”, this year we recognise the importance of the season of “Urnura”, Autumn.

Iwarra Wilungga surpassed all expectations in its inaugural year and we are over the moon to be able to once again support this inclusive event and it’s fantastic programme of performers and activities.

As well as the main event being a fun filled evening for the whole family, Iwarra Wilungga is all about celebrating the invaluable contribution First Nations people make to our community whilst at the same time providing us with a brilliant opportunity to deepen our understanding of Indigenous culture.

On behalf of the City of Greater Geraldton I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Tourism WA and all the many other wonderful organisations and individuals whose contributions have made this wonderful event possible.

I hope you all enjoy coming together for this wonderful occasion.

Jerry Clune Mayor, City of Greater Geraldton

This April brings a mesmerising journey into Aboriginal culture through art, music, dance and much more at the Iwarra Wilungga Festival. The festival’s name, Iwarra Wilungga, meaning “Spring by the Sea,” holds the memory of our first event that was introduced in the springtime of October 2022. This year however, we acknowledge with respect that we will be celebrating during the season of “Urnura,” Autumn. After the success of the inaugural Iwarra Wilungga, the City of Greater Geraldton proudly presents an even more spectacular celebration of Aboriginal culture. Come and join us in a truly extraordinary event and share your moments with #DreamWA and #IwarraWilungga2024.

program of events

BEST MOMENTS ON COUNTRY PHOTO EXHIBITION | Museum of Geraldton

23 March 2024 – 29 April 2024

Experience the essence of connection at the Geraldton Museum of WA with the ‘Best Moments on Country’ Photo Exhibition. This display features captivating photos from our community, highlighting their strong ties to the land.

FREE | All Ages |

POETRY READINGS AND DISPLAY | Geraldton Regional Library

Display: 25 March - 26 April 2024

Poetry Reading: 2 April 2024. Bookings essential - P: 9956 6659 E: library@cgg.wa.gov.au

Come along and enjoy a special poetry reading by the renowned local poet and Gija/Bardi descendant, Nola Gregory. Perfect for those aged 15 and over, immerse yourself in Nola’s unique voice and stories. Missed the reading? Don’t worry. You can still experience Nola’s powerful poems at your own pace, as her poems will be on display all month long.

FREE | 15+ |

ABORIGINAL ART EXHIBITION | Queens Park Theatre Foyer

27 & 28 March 2024, 10am - 4pm

3 & 4 April 2024, 10am – 4pm

Explore Aboriginal culture at the Art Exhibition in the Queens Park Theatre Foyer. This unique collection showcases Aboriginal art, offering a window into the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture. Experience a visual dialogue that connects past and present through stunning artworks. A must-visit for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

FREE | All Ages |

TRADITIONAL CRAFTS | Rocks

Laneway

Workshops: 3 April 2024, 10am – 1 pm

Aboriginal Market: 4 April 2024, 10am - 1 pm

Join us at Rocks Laneway for hands-on fun in our Boomerang Painting and Basket Weaving Workshops with the opportunity to purchase rare gifts at the Aboriginal Market. Perfect for families and people of all ages, this offers a creative school holiday activity where you can learn traditional crafts and take home your own masterpiece. Don’t miss this chance to create and connect with culture!

FREE | All Ages |

IWARRA WILUNGGA MAIN EVENT | Queens Park Theatre

6 April 2024, 3.30pm – 8.30pm

Experience the grand finale of Iwarra Wilungga, highlighted by a ceremonial Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Southern Yamatji Traditional Owners. The evening will feature vibrant Aboriginal dance, Didgeridoo performance, and a taste of Aboriginal cuisine set to the tunes of Born2Sing. Don’t miss headline act Miieshasupported by Fred Ryan Band and the Bradley Hall Band.

FREE | All Ages |

Iwarra Wilungga MAIN EVENT

Saturday 6 April 2024

Queens Park Theatre

3.30pm – 8.30pm

Smoking Ceremony

Welcome to Country

Poetry Reading

Didgeridoo Performance

Lucia Yamaji Acrobat and Dancer

Binmaga Dance Group

Headline act

Miiesha

supported by

Born2Sing

Fred Ryan Band

Bradley Hall Band

Markets and Cultural Activities throughout the event including boomerang painting, face painting, basket weaving and photo booth. plus much more...

Step into a dreamscape of wondrous events and embark on unforgettable adventures. Wildlife, wilderness, and the world’s largest fringing coral reef await along the Coral Coast Highway.

•Soak up the sun and crystal-clear waters of Coral Bay and snorkel through lively coral gardens.

•Start your day in Shark Bay (Gathaagudu / Gutharraguda) by meeting the friendly Monkey Mia dolphins, then go four-wheel driving in Francois Peron National Park.

•Swim alongside gentle whale sharks, humpback whales or manta rays in the Ningaloo Reef World Heritage Area.

•Visit Carnarvon’s Gwoonwardu Mia Cultural Centre, which celebrates the stories and culture of the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne Region.

•Explore the mysterious moonscapes of the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park.

•Marvel at the dreamlike pink hues of Hutt Lagoon by foot, buggy or scenic flight.

•Swim with endangered Australian Sea Lions — playful ‘sea puppies’ only found in Western Australia.

•Discover Geraldton (Jambinu), the Coral Coast’s only city and the gateway to the 122 Houtman Abrolhos Islands.