Iwarra Wilungga festival set to bring a new experience of celebrating Aboriginal culture to Geraldton

The inaugural Iwarra Wilungga festival, set to be held this Saturday, will mix live music, art and dance to celebrate local Aboriginal culture while also raising awareness of mental health.

Local groups The Red Ochre Band and Born2Sing will be performing along with Perth band South Summit.

Dance performances from the Wilunyu Dancers and Lucia Richardson, a performance from didgeridoo musician Leroy Shiosaki, and a poetry reading from Nola Gregory will also be on the agenda.

The festival will also feature workshops on topics such as Aboriginal sand mural making, basket weaving, boomerangs, banners and face painting.

A number of charities such as Streeties, Headspace Geraldton and the WA Centre for Rural Health will also be attending, providing information on the services they provide to visitors.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn promised a special evening.

“Iwarra Wilungga translated from Wilunyu language is Spring by the Sea, and will be the first event of its kind in the Mid West, combining talented local Aboriginal entertainers with workshops and educational experiences as well as showcasing fantastic Aboriginal businesses,” he said.

“This symbolic festival will enable people to learn more about the range of help that can be accessed by those facing mental health challenges as well as strengthening bonds within our community.”

The Iwarra Wilungga festival will be held this Saturday between 4-8pm at Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore.