This project was initiated in 2018 as a pilot series of 16 weekly workshops. With much community support, in 2019 Walyalup Kannajil was established as a djook (sister) choir to Madjitil Moorna in the Fremantle area, on Whadjuck Noongar Boodja.
Walyalup Kannajil – literally translating as ‘Fremantle in Truth’ – is a Noongar-led inclusive community choir currently based at the Fremantle PCYC in Hilton. Meeting weekly, the purpose is to deepen our understanding of Noongar culture, history and language through song.
The sessions are facilitated by moorditj (awesome) singer-songwriter and 2018 NAIDOC Youth of the Year, Kobi Arthur Morrison, who is joined regularly by special guest Aboriginal Elders and musicians. Each week participants learn a range of songs written by local and national Aboriginal musicians in Noongar and English, as well as classics which Kobi has translated into Noongar.
My Key Roles
- Initiation and coordination of weekly, term-based singing sessions
- Liaison with Music Director, and special guest Elders and musicians
- Grant-writing, fundraising and sponsorship
- Financial management
- Writing and design of promotional materials
- Communication with participants, including via Mailchimp and Messenger
- Establishment and maintenance of Facebook page and Instagram account
- Coordination of public performances
Key Outcomes
- An average of 12 – 16 participants each session
- Finalist, Fremantle Foundation Impact 100 Fremantle, November 2019
- Notable Performances (joint with sister choir Madjitil Moorna):
- City of Fremantle’s Fremantle Festival, ‘Karla-K Koorling – Come to the Fires,’ South Mole, Fremantle, November 2018
- City of Fremantle’s ‘NAIDOC Week Opening Event,’ Fremantle PCYC, Hilton, July 2019
- City of Fremantle’s ‘Heritage Festival,’ Freo.Social, Fremantle, April 2019
- City of Fremantle’s ‘One Day’ event, various locations, Walyalup-Fremantle, January 2019 – current
- 90+ participants in first 16-week pilot, 2018