The world's oldest living culture
The first inhabitants of Australia’s South West were the Aboriginal people, believed to have had a connection with the land for almost 50,000 years. Conservationists by nature, they were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who followed a six season calendar, still used by Aboriginal people today.
The six seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang – represent the seasonal changes we see across the South West annually.
Six Seasons
“Each season has a plant indicator that flowers in advance of each change,” says Koomal Dreaming’s Josh Whiteland. “Plants, animals and weather patterns coincide with each season, which runs for the duration of every second full moon. This determines where to forage, gather, hunt and camp.”
Welcome to Country
If you’re attending an event in Australia’s South West, you may experience a ‘Welcome to Country’, which acknowledges the significant Aboriginal Noongar nations and recognises the importance of ancestral lands, welcoming visitors, and helping to connect to country.
Australia’s South West acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout the South West of Western Australia Noongar Boodjar and their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities. We pay our respects to all members of the Pinjarup, Wilman, Wadandi, Pibelman, Kaneang, Minang, Koreng Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
While visiting, we ask that you respect the culture and care for the Boodja country.