The world's oldest living culture
Australia’s South West is an ancient land and home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, with the Noongar Aboriginal peoples connection to Boodja (Country) dating back more than 50, 000 years. Conservationists by nature, they were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who followed a six season calendar, still used by Aboriginal people today.
Six Seasons
The six Noongar seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang – represent the seasonal changes we see across the South West annually, and can be indicated by weather patterns, food availability, and changes in flora and fauna.
“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 and Koreng Aboriginal communities and their cultures, and to Elders past and present.
While visiting, we ask that you respect the culture and care for the Boodja country.