Connected to Country
For as long as Kerry-Ann can remember, she has visited Mindeerup with her family. She recalls spending time on the banks of the river as a child, laying in the sun and listening to stories passed down from her parents. She learned that Mindeerup, meaning ‘place of the shore,’ was an important fishing and gathering place with natural freshwater springs.
She learned that Mindeerup, meaning ‘place of the shore,’ was an important fishing and gathering place with natural freshwater springs.
It’s this connection to Mindeerup, and her passion for her culture, that led Kerry-Ann to start her own kind of walking tour in this very special part of Boorloo (Perth).
Established in 2018, Nyungar Tours offer one-of-a-kind experiences that take guests on cultural journeys, sharing stories of Whadjuk Country and Noongar culture.
Hosted at Mindeerup (South Perth Foreshore) and Mooro Katta Gar-up (Kings Park), the tours lead participants through culturally significant sites while sharing stories that have been passed down through generations.
And recently, a new yorgar’s (women’s) weaving workshop has been added to the offering.
Exclusively for women, the workshops are an immersive experience that celebrate the strength and artistry of women within Noongar culture.
Led by Nyungar Tours lead guide, Andria Spencer, the sessions present an opportunity to learn the intricate art of weaving traditional baskets while sharing in stories of Country, echoing Andria’s own experiences with her aunties and nannas.
“The workshop is about being in the moment,” Andria says. “Weaving is healing, being together and sharing knowledge. We talk about our traditional customs, our stories about our culture with places, the medicines, the seasons and foods that were available in the area.”
From local school groups to corporate groups and international tourists, people from all corners of the world have taken part in the unique cultural experiences. Kerry-Ann says the tours and workshops are about breaking down barriers.
“I like talking to people. I like being outdoors on Country,” she says. “It’s about truth telling and telling the truth about Country. It’s part of Reconciliation.”
As a Noongar Elder, Kerry-Ann says it’s her responsibility to share knowledge with the next generation of her family as well as the wider community. And Nyungar Tours has given her that opportunity.
“My old people said that we have the responsibility of maintaining and keeping our culture strong and that’s what we tell our kids,” she says.
To embark on your own cultural journey with Nyungar Tours, visit nyungartours.com.au.
Noongar people are the Traditional Owners of the South West of Western Australia. While Noongar is identified as a single language there are variations in both pronunciation and spelling – Noongar, Nyungar, Nyoongar, Nyoongah, Nyungah, Yungar and Noonga.
Media contact
- Phone 9474 0777
- Email media@southperth.wa.gov.au
