Published on Monday, 9 February 2026 at 9:57:30 AM
Aboriginal culture and connection were strongly woven into Nannup’s Australia Day celebrations on 26 January, creating meaningful opportunities for learning, reflection and shared experience across generations. Aboriginal cultural engagement has been an important and valued part of Nannup’s Australia Day celebrations since 2023, contributing to a more inclusive and reflective community event.
The Healing Spirit Program invited community members to slow down and engage with culture through hands-on activities that celebrated Country, knowledge and creativity. At the heart of this space was a community art circle, where participants of all ages contributed to a large collaborative artwork using natural materials. As the morning unfolded, the artwork evolved into a living expression of connection, story and place, shaped by many hands and shared conversations.
Michella Hutchins explained that the space provided an important opportunity for healing within the community. She shared that the process of land art is a gifting of beauty and a dedication to healing — not only of the land, but of the hearts and spirits of the people connected to it.
This understanding reflects Wardandi beliefs that the spirit of the land and the spirit of the people are intricately linked. When communities experience loss, personal tragedy or reminders of the past, creative cultural practices such as art, dance and song play a vital role. These practices allow people to honour Country, acknowledge pain and find pathways toward peace, strength and moving forward together.
Alongside the art circle, plant identification activities encouraged participants to learn about local bush plants and their cultural significance. Community members explored how plants are traditionally used for food, healing and ceremony, deepening understanding of the enduring relationship between Aboriginal people and Country.
Cultural body painting also formed an important part of the experience, offering a gentle and welcoming way for participants to engage with Aboriginal cultural expression. Guided by cultural knowledge, the activity sparked curiosity, discussion and respect, particularly among children and young people, who participated with enthusiasm and openness.
Throughout the morning, the Healing Spirit space became a place of calm connection within the broader celebrations — somewhere people could gather, ask questions, share stories and learn together. The intergenerational nature of the activities reflected the strength of community learning, with Elders, families, children and visitors participating side by side.
This Aboriginal engagement added depth and meaning to the Australia Day event, reinforcing the importance of recognising culture, Country and shared histories, while creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome to participate.
Nannup’s Australia Day celebrations once again demonstrated the value of embedding ongoing cultural engagement within community events, fostering understanding, respect and connection that extends well beyond the day itself.
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