David Cliff, Denmark Bulletin
Menang elder Aunty Vernice Gillies and Menang man Larry Blight will lead guided walking tours along the Kwoorabup riverbanks at the Kwoorabup River Festival.
This will be after the opening ceremony at 10.45am on Saturday, September 21 so participants can learn about the flora and fauna, listen to traditional stories and see the land and the river through the traditional owners’ eyes.
Aunty Vernice Gillies is passionate about cultural heritage, and the conservation and preservation of cultural knowledge and traditions.
She will welcome everyone to Menang Boodja in the opening ceremony.
Larry, who is no stranger to Denmark and is well known to Kwoorabup Nature School kids, will share his knowledge of local bush foods, medicines, fauna, local stories and traditions.
The festival opening ceremony will include community singing led by Denmark’s local vocal talents, Rhian Bethen and Ashley Schipp of the Understory Choir.
They will have the gathering singing a call out to the river water.
Members of the Denmark Bird Group will join the walks to help spot the bird life that thrives along the waterway.
This cultural and environmental experience aims to help everyone better appreciate the Kwoorabup River and the Wilson/Nullaki inlet as they paddle, row and swim through the events of the day.
Come and enjoy the spectacle, have coffee at Ben’s Place, lunch at Gin Lao in Berridge Park or Reminisce Cafe, Rivermouth Caravan Park.
Everyone is invited to dust off their kayaks and paddle boards, get a rowing team together or pull out the wetsuit and participate in a day to celebrate the community and beautiful waterways.
Stay for the Kwoorabup Cordless Drill Boat Challenge.
Participants will be in the safe hands of the Denmark Surf Lifesaving Club in all events.
Entry details can be found at https://denmarkrowers.org.au/blog/kwoorabup-river-festival/. A small entry fee of $10 applies for the on-water events but the walking tours are free. Pay on the day or online at https://events.humanitix.com/kwoorabup-river-festival.
For more information go to www.denmarkrowers.org.au or contact Dave Cliff at denmarkrowers@iinet. net.au or follow DenmarkRowers on Instagram and Facebook.
This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 12 September 2024.
