Shire of Boddington Council says its yarning circle project is moving ahead, with funding now secured for the cultural initiative.
The project was initiated by local Elder, Greg Thorn, who said it seeks to “bring back the song-line of this area, a song-line that extends back thousands of years”.
“By bringing back the song-line it can once again take its rightful place in our shared living history. It can be sung upon and walked on into our shared future. This song line can connect us back to looking after country, to looking after the health of the river, to looking after the flora and fauna of this place,” he said.
The Council recently confirmed funding for the project from South32 Worsley Alumina.
“The project aims to create a place for storytelling, learning and connection to Country for generations to come,” Council said in a statement.
“Yarning Circles WA, in collaboration with the project design group, has progressed to the design development phase of the project.”
Council says the final design will be presented to the Aboriginal Reference Group for discussion and endorsement.
The current concept features a series of carved totem poles with integrated artwork and laser-cut Corten steel panels. The design incorporates two dedicated areas for yarning conversations and includes an overhead depiction of a brush-tailed wallaby.
“The Yarning Circle is framed by logs and rocks to reflect and illustrate the culture of the Noongar people,” Council said.
Construction of the Yarning Circle is scheduled to begin in April.
Community members are invited to provide contributions relating to specific project elements, including:
- Seating,
- Landscaping,
- Pathways, and
- Interpretive features.
Community contributions may also include materials and equipment such as:
- Timber and natural logs,
- Rocks and stone materials,
- Irrigation supplies,
- Concrete, hardware and related materials, and
- Limited plant and equipment support.
View the full list of potential materials and equipment by visiting the Shire website here.
All contributions must be provided to Terry Farrell by email at terry@yarningcircleswa.com.au or phone on 0412 911 562.
