This Makuru season at John Curtin Gallery, experience some of the unique and incredible Noongar stories that make up part of Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories. A community-led initiative, co-founded by award-winning Noongar author and academic Kim Scott, Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories’ mission is to revitalise and share the Wirlomin dialect of the Noongar language, along with the cultural knowledge embedded in its stories, songs, and oral traditions.
Based in the south coast region of Western Australia, Wirlomin stories and songs are deeply rooted in community collaboration and cultural reclamation. The stories were developed through extensive community consultation and published in picture books intended to be accessible to both Noongar and non-Noongar readers. Please visit the official Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories website for more details.
Join us as we explore Indigenous knowledge and culture with Noongar Elders through some incredible experiences that cement our ongoing commitment to Noongar knowledge and culture. In the Access Gallery at JCG, become immersed in illustrations from several bilingual picture books published by Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories, as part of the Mamang-miyel-ang Djinang / Seeing with the whale’s eye exhibition, and leave your messages by the Talking Tree.
Afterschool Storytelling
Designed for a younger audience, this after school activity will dive into the world of Noongar stories. Inspired by Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories bilingual books, each session features lively, bilingual tales that bring Country, animals, and ancient wisdom to life. Young listeners will explore Noongar language and values through beautifully told stories passed down through generations. Led by community storytellers who invite questions, spark imagination, and encourage connection, these storytelling sessions are followed by fun art-making activities.
Program Details
Free events, open to the public. Everyone welcome, no prior knowledge needed.
Location: John Curtin Gallery Atrium, Building 200A, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley
Facilitators: Read by Patricia Ryder, co-facilitated by Neeti Sethi
Please note: These sessions will be photographed and/or videoed and images will occasionally be used for promotional and marketing purposes, including social media. If you do not wish to be photographed or videoed, please notify staff on the day of the event.
Image: Dingoes and seals, by Gaylene Galardi.
