The 2024 edition of the Danjoo Koorliny Social Impact Festival was an extraordinary celebration of Aboriginal Culture. With its theme centred around Survival, Resilience, Strength, and Celebration, the festival encapsulated the spirit of Aboriginal people and played a crucial role in promoting and preserving Aboriginal culture. We are committed to ensuring that our festival is a platform for Aboriginal voices and a celebration of this rich and diverse culture.
The festival embraced a collaborative approach, symbolising the unity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. It also marked the halfway point on our 10-year journey toward the 2029 bicentenary, a significant milestone in our shared history. As we continue our work guided by the wirin (spirit), the festival plays a crucial role in preparing for this important event, aiming to create a better future for all. We invite our stakeholders and supporters to join us in this preparation, as we continue to emphasise care for people and the environment.
The festival embraced a collaborative approach, symbolising the unity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. It also marked the halfway point on our 10-year journey toward the 2029 bicentenary, a significant milestone in our shared history. As we continue our work guided by the wirin (spirit), the festival plays a crucial role in preparing for this important event, aiming to create a better future for all. We invite our stakeholders and supporters to join us in this preparation, as we continue to emphasise care for people and the environment.
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Launch
On Saturday, 2 March, we were joined by our stakeholders and supporters for an intimate launch event marking the opening of our Bunuru Festival 2024. The space was immaculately adjourned with colour and furnishings brought to life by our event partners, Atelier—House of Events and The Flowergirl. A splash of tropical-style rain made the event no less magical. Our guests enjoyed delicious mocktails and canapes from Gather Foods. They were given a preview of what was to come at our three subsequent Bunuru Festival events.
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Among our attendees were His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM Governor of Western Australia and Mrs. Darrilyn Dawson, and Danjoo Koorliny Ambassadors, Professor Fiona Stanley AC and Janet Holmes à Court AC. We thank Aunty Liz Hayden for her powerful Welcome to Country and Nick Abraham for providing a smoking ceremony to ground us all. We also want to acknowledge the significant contributions of the four Danjoo Koorliny Co-Directors, who played a key role in addressing our guests, focusing on Danjoo Koorliny's social, cultural, environmental, and economic pillars. And of course, our thanks to Danjoo Koorliny Manager Donna Oxenham for MC'ing the event. The lush green gardens of Government House provided a spectacular backdrop to the event.
See the photos below for a glimpse of the event.
See the photos below for a glimpse of the event.
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Tables at the launch were decorated by Atelier—House of Events and The Flowergirl
Our Elder’s Lounge provided a comfortable and welcoming space
which carried through to the Bunuru Festival events that followed the launch
Canapes and mocktails were provided by Gather Foods
Smoking ceremony by Nick Abraham
Our newly created Wanju (Welcome) entrance walkway came with us from the launch to all our Bunuru Festival events.
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(L-R) Carol Innes AM, Dr Noel Nannup OAM, Fiona Stanley AC,
His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Darrilyn Dawson, Janet Holmes à Court AC,
Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM and Dr Richard Walley OAM
The superbly talented musicians Malachi Humphries and Mi-Kaisha were a highlight of the evening. They treated our guests with their exceptional musicianship and soulful vocals.
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Malachi Humphries and Mi-kaisha performing at the event
Our guests then continued their evening at the Perth Festival closing event, Under the Same Sun. This experience featured a strong representation of Aboriginal artists and acts touring across Australia and worldwide. It was a memorable celebration to kick off our festival, and the theme of Celebration carried through the entire Bunuru Festival.
The 2024 Bunuru Social Impact Summit was a transformative experience, bringing together diverse voices from across Australia, including thought leaders, change-makers, artists, and innovators. Through engaging speaker sessions, cultural workshops, panel discussions, and inspiring presentations, attendees gained unique insights into Aboriginal culture and its journey from surviving to thriving.
The Summit served as a platform for culturally affirming conversations that challenged the status quo while addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. It celebrated Aboriginal culture, values, and achievements and laid the foundation for future representations and aspirations beyond the festival's 2029 vision.
The 2024 Danjoo Koorliny Festival was a resounding success, offering attendees the chance to celebrate, listen, and learn in an immersive and culturally enriching environment. It provided a glimpse into the resilience and strength of Aboriginal communities while fostering collaboration and understanding among all participants.