After a four-year break the Undalup Association’s Birak Festival will return to the Busselton foreshore on Saturday January 14.
The association has signed an agreement with Healthway to promote the Act-Belong-Commit message. Undalup’s Rachelle Cousins echoed the ABC spirit, saying “The more we do things in the community for our own mental health, the stronger the community becomes.”
Vasse MP Libby Mettam is thrilled the association has received funding to help improve the mental health of the community through the Undalup Birak Festival.
“I am especially pleased with how many of the new Healthway grants seek to promote the involvement of our young people in arts and cultural pursuits,” she said.
Association chairperson Iszaac (Zac) Webb, returned to the South West after a stint working in the Pilbarra, was on hand to celebrate the funding and talk about the importance of the festival.
A contemporary corroboree will be held, with cultural dance lessons provided on the Thursday and Friday before the festival where all koolungas (children) can learn dances for the big day.
Pibulmun/Wadandi Elder Wayne Webb said the festival would benefit the community long after the day itself.
“The dance becomes more than just dancing but a teaching aid to show the movement and habits of the animals and birds. Remembering the stories and dance, it activates your good feelings by knowing who you are, where you come from and your contribution to society.
“The Birak Festival, like the Undalup Association, is at the forefront of reconciliation.”