Banner artwork on windows: Darryl Bellotti

Noongar Culture

The land on which we live, meet and thrive as a community always was and always will be Noongar land. Learn more about Noongar culture.

Noongar words

The Noongar words included are only a small part of the Noongar language.

Kaya Hello
Wanjoo Welcome
Boorda See you later
Boordiyas Noongar Boss
Boodja/Boodjar Land/Country
Djiti Djiti Willy Wagtail
Karl/Kaarla Fire
Yonga Kangaroo
Koorlbardi Magpie

Source: Noongar Word List from Kaartdijin Noongar - Noongar Knowledge

Noongar Six Seasons

In the South West of Australia, the Noongar seasonal calendar includes six different seasons in a yearly cycle.

Each of the six seasons represents and explains the seasonal changes we see annually. The flowering of many different plants, the hibernation of reptiles and the moulting of swans are all helpful indicators that the seasons are changing.

The Six Seasons in the Noongar seasonal calendar are Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang.

The City thanks Jason Barrow for sharing his knowledge of the Noongar Six Seasons.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Birak

First Summer | December and January

As the rains begin to ease, the warm weather of Birak starts to take hold with the afternoon sea breeze cooling those close to the ocean. Easterly winds in the morning, followed by the afternoon sea breeze meant that traditionally, this was the time of year Noongar people burnt country. They would burn the country in mosaic patterns to increase grazing pastures for some animals, to aid in seed germination, ease of mobility across the country and fuel reduction.

Birak also sees fledglings venturing out of their nests, though some still stay close to their parents. Reptiles are looking to shed their old skin for a new one during this season and baby frogs complete their transformation into adulthood.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Bunuru

Second Summer | February and March

The hottest time of the year, Bunuru is a season of little to no rain and hot easterly winds with a cooling sea breeze in the afternoon if you are along the coast. The weather during this time permitted Noongar people to live and fish along the coast, rivers and estuaries and their diet consisted mainly of freshwater and sea foods.

White flowers, especially flowering gums including Jarrah, Marri and Ghost Gums are in full bloom. The female Zamia (Macrozamia Riedle) is also notable due to being much larger than its male counterpart, with huge cones emerging from the centre of the plant with masses of a cotton wool like substance. As the weather continues to be dry and hot, the Zamia seed upon the cone changes from green to bright red, indicating they are ripening and becoming more attractive to animals, particularly the emu, that will eat the toxic fleshy outer part of the plant.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Djeran

Autumn | April and May

Djeran season sees a break in the very hot weather, and the change in the season is evident in the wind with seeds, dust and leaves blown across the landscape. Flying ants can be seen cruising around in the light southerly winds of Djeran. You’ll also notice this season brings cooler nights with a dewy presence for us to discover in the early mornings.

This season sees red wildflowers take bloom, especially the Red Flowering Gum (Corimbia Ficifolia) and the petite Summer Flame (Beaufortia Aestiva). The male and female Sheoaks (Allocasuarina Fraseriana) form cones and Banksia start to display their flowers ensuring there are nectar food sources for the many small mammals and birds that rely upon them.
Noongar people would traditionally eat Zamia seeds that had been collected a season earlier, as well as root bulbs of the Yanget (Bullrushes), freshwater fish, frogs and turtles.

As the season progresses, nights become cool and damp and the days can become cooler too with some rain. Noongar people would at this time start preparing and position their Mia Mias (homes and shelter) for heavier rains in the coming winter months.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Makuru

Winter | June and July

The coldest and wettest time of the year, Makuru was traditionally the time that Noongar people moved back inland and away from the coast. Winds turn to the west and south bringing rain and occasional snow on the peaks of the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges.

During this season, waterways and catchments begin to fill and Noongar people change their diet from eating food from the sea and lakes to hunting grazing animals such as the kangaroo (Yongar). The Yongar not only provided a food source but also Bookas, which are animal skin cloaks used as nights became much colder. Bones and sinews were also used from the Yongar for spear making and manufacturing of a Booka.

Makuru is also a time for animals to begin pairing up in preparation for breeding in the coming season. Wardongs (ravens) can be seen flying together during this season, and upon the lakes and rivers of the Southwest you will notice the influx of Mali of Black Swan as they prepare to nest and breed.

Blue and purple flowers such as Blueberry Lilly (Dianella Revoluta) and the Purple Flags (Patersonia Occidentalis) emerge during these colder months, and as Makuru draws to a close. You will notice the white flowers of the weeping peppermint (Agonis Flexuosa) as the blues start to make way for the white and cream flowers of Djilba.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Djilba

First Spring | August and September

A transitional time of the year, Djilba has days that are very cold, some that are rainy and windy and others where the sun comes through. As the days start to warm up, you’ll hear and see the first of the new born animals with their parents providing them with food, shelter and protection from other animals and people. The woodland birds will still be nest bound, hence the swooping behaviour of the Koolbardi (magpie), Djidi Djidi (Willywag tails) and the Chuck-a-luck (wattle birds).

This is the start of the massive flowering explosion in the South West. It begins with yellow flowering plants such as the Acacias. You’ll also notice cream and striking blue coloured flowers. As the season progresses and the temperatures continue to rise, you will see the flower stalks of the Balgas (Grass Tress) emerging in preparation for the coming Kambarang season.

Traditionally, the main food source at this time of the year included many of the land based grazing animals including Yongar (kangaroo), Waiitj (Emu) and the Koomal (possum).

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Kambarang

Transformational time of the year | October and November

Kambarang is the wildflower season with many yellow flowers, orchids, kangaroo paws and banksias in bloom. Even the Balgas will flowers, especially if they have been burnt in the past year. One of the most striking displays of flowers at this time of year is the Mooja or Australian Christmas Tree, where its bright orange/yellow flowers signal that heat is on its way.

As many things are undergoing transformation with the warm change in the weather and longer dry periods, October is a time of the year you are most likely to encounter a snake.

Reptiles at this time are emerging from hibernation and look to make the most of the warm weather to assist them in getting enough energy to look for food.

Local Birds

There are six local birds that frequently can be seen and heard around the City of  Vincent Administration and Civic Centre.  The Djidi Djidi, Kaa Kaa, Karak, Koolbardi, Wardong and Djer Djer are regular visitors.

The City thanks Darryl Bellotti for sharing his knowledge and artwork of some of Vincent's local Birds.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Djidi Djidi 

Willie Wagtail

Djidi Djidi is a cheeky little bird known for its tricks.  If you chase him, Djidi Djidi will hop along in front of you, just out of reach, and lure you further and further away until you’re lost in the bush. They’re mischievous little creatures that will often be seen fighting with Wardong the crow and getting on his nerves.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Kaa Kaa

Kookaburra

Kaa Kaa the kookaburra sits high in the trees and laughs.  It’s laughing call can be heard all through the bush.  keen hunter, Kaa Kaa can be seen with snakes and lizards in its mouth as it flies. Be careful around the camp site because Kaa Kaa is bold, and he will swoop in and steal meat right from your hands if you aren’t looking.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Karak

Red Tailed Black Cockatoo

Karak the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo is a majestic bird that can be seen all throughout Noongar Boodja.  They sit high in the trees and spend long hours eating the nuts of the eucalyptus tree. Their feathers are much sought after and are used in headdress and ceremony. It is said that the Yagan, the Noongar warrior used to wear the Karak feathers in his hair.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Koolbardi

Magpie

Koolbardi the magpie is the bird that announces the morning.  In the Nyitting, the creation time, it was Koolbardi that lifted the sky and gave us the first sunrise. He is the little brother to Wardong the crow. Wardong and Koolbardi don’t get along and you will very rarely see them together.  Wardong, the older brother is bossy with Koolbardi and is always asserting his dominance over him.

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Wardong

Crow

Wardong the crow is the older brother to Koolbardi, they were separated because of their constant battles. Wardong is clever and very resourceful.  You can see him always working out things in his mind. 

Artwork by Darryl Bellotti

Djer Djer

Blue Wren

Djer Djer the Blue Wren is a friendly bird that loves the water.  You will always find Djer Djer zipping in and out as it flies through the coastal landscape. Wings of beautiful blue shades glimmer and shine in the sunlight as Djer Djer moves swiftly through the air.  Stories say Djer Djer got its vibrant blue colouring from spilling water on its wing when trying to get water for friends to drink.

Reconciliation

The City of Vincent’s reconciliation vision is one where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people walk alongside each other in respectful and meaningful partnership, celebrating Noongar culture and tradition. We strive for a caring and empathetic community where people support one another in achieving greater equality and opportunities for all members of our society. We envision our City to be a vibrant, inclusive place that features Noongar culture and history in our open spaces, facilities and at our events. Our hope is that all members of our community will join us on our journey towards reconciliation.

The City’s vision for reconciliation will be driven by community engagement practices, innovative projects, policy practices, organisational reflection, improvement and positive promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultural understandings.

We are committed to understanding the impacts of our colonial past, the injustices it has created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and our need to address the complex underlying issues with a strong focus on change and improving our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in particular, the Whadjuk Noongar people.

We aim to generate positive impacts by taking into account the diverse needs of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in decision making. We will strongly advocate the interests of this community and foster community cohesion by encouraging active participation in culturally appropriate projects and events. We aim to advocate and influence organisational awareness to strengthen our capacity, governance and practices to ensure responsiveness to emerging issues that impact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. We aim to be a leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and engagement.

We have a vision to be recognised as a culturally sensitive local government that works closely with key partners to address local issues including homelessness and community safety among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In December 2020, Council resolved unanimously to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart. A key part of the Uluru Statement is a First Nations Voice to Parliament, protected by the Constitution. Ahead of the referendum on 14 October 2023, we heard from Vincent locals about their support for a Voice to Parliament. See the videos.

Our Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP)

RAPs provide a framework for organisations to realise their vision for reconciliation. RAPs are practical plans of action built on relationships, respect and opportunities. They create social change and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

There are four types of RAP, determined by Reconciliation Australia, to reflect the stages of reconciliation progress, being Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate.

The City of Vincent began its reconciliation journey in 2017 with a Reflect RAP, completing its first Innovate RAP in September 2022 and commencing its second Innovate RAP in August 2022.

Throughout our previous two RAPs, the City has strengthened its relationship with the local Noongar Elders, community and celebrated Noongar culture and tradition through numerous events, activities and workshops. We have created a more empathetic and culturally sensitive workplace and increased our procurement from Aboriginal businesses.

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024

The City's second Innovate RAP was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 23 August 2022. This RAP was designed in partnership with the City's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, internal staff, stakeholder groups and most importantly, our Aboriginal Elders. There are 80 actions in the second Innovate RAP that the City has committed to achieving within a two-year time period. Whilst the sharing of Noongar history, tradition and culture remains important, this RAP has some high-level deliverables including meeting an employment target of three per cent of staff who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, developing a strategy to achieve three per cent procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses along with exploring Aboriginal names for unnamed places or laneways and reviving traditional names of parks and reserves.

Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 - 2024 | Innovate

First Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2021

The City's second RAP, the Innovate RAP, was adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 30 April 2019. This RAP aimed to continue to build on the meaningful relationships we developed during the implementation of our Reflect RAP and continue to grow our community’s awareness and appreciation of Noongar culture, as well as our sense of pride in our diversity and rich Noongar history and tradition. The City continued to provide staff and Council with opportunities to immerse themselves in Noongar culture and ensured that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff have the opportunity to celebrate and share their history, tradition and culture.

Reconciliation Action Plan 2019 - 2021 | Innovate

Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2017-2018

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 4 April 2017, Council adopted the City's first RAP. The Reflect RAP was launched with a community event on Saturday 27 May 2017 in conjunction with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum during Reconciliation Week. Throughout this RAP, the City strengthened its relationship with the local Noongar community and celebrated Noongar culture and tradition through a number of events, activities and workshops. Internally, we strived to create a more empathetic and culturally sensitive workplace which resulted an update of our Welcome to Country Policy to include Noongar language, as well as mandating a Welcome to Country at major City funded events.

Reconciliation Action Plan 2017 - 2018 | Reflect

Aboriginal Organisations

We also have many Aboriginal-controlled organisations that aim to connect with Aboriginal people within the City of Vincent, servicing their various needs and requirements.

Aranmore Catholic College Aboriginal Student Support Program

Central Institute of Technology’s Koolark Centre

Gurlongga Njininj Day Care Centre

Derbal Yerrigan Health Service Inc.

Aboriginal Health Council of WA

Indigenous Community Volunteers

Noongar Radio

Nyoongar Outreach

Kuditj

Reconciliation Action Plan reports

 

Advisory & Working Groups

The City has a number of Committees, Advisory & Working Groups and other bodies to advise Council on specific matters.  

For a full listing, including representation on each Group, please select below: 

Please view the Advisory Group Policy No. 4.2.12 referred to in the Terms of Reference for each Group.

For more information about each group, including meeting dates, minutes and agendas see below.

Advisory & working groups

Details of each group’s purpose, Terms of Reference and previous Meeting minutes are available below:

Arts Advisory Group

Sustainability & Transport Advisory Group

Safer Vincent Advisory Group

Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group

Community Engagement Panel

Reference groups

Hyde Park Reference Group

Committees

COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Committee

Audit Committee

Behaviour Complaints Committee

Useful resources

Decommissioned Advisory Groups

Council & Staff Representatives

Advisory Group Policy No. 4.2.12

Nomination Online Form

If you require any information please contact the Chief Executive's Office on 9273 6002 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au

Policies

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

Recognition of Noongar Boodjar culture and history starts with Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.

The establishment of a policy shows respect to Noongar culture and tradition and encourages the use of Noongar language within our organisation and wider community.

The process of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country recognises the unique position of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australian culture and history as the Traditional Owners of the land. It is important that this policy is incorporated as part of official protocols and events to enable the wider community to share in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.

This policy reaffirms that the Whadjuk people from the Noongar nation are and always will be the Traditional Owners of the land upon which the City of Vincent is located and ensures that the correct protocols are used by the City of Vincent for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.

Guidelines and protocols

The guidelines and protocols for external stakeholders has been designed to provide guidance and direction to groups and organisations when planning and facilitating a Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country in the City of Vincent.

Guidelines and Protocols for External Stakeholders

Aboriginal Artwork

Charmaine Cole

Charmaine Cole was born in Subiaco.

Her language group is from Gnaarla Karla Booja and Wagyl Kiap Noongar Nation. She was raised in Belmont, Western Australia in a single-parent household. Her mother is a survivor of the Stolen Generations and was born in Katanning Western Australia. 

City of Vincent commissioned a series of artworks from Charmaine to use in various supports, including our Reconciliation Action Plan document.

 

You can view more of her artwork here. 

Jade Dolman

Jade Dolman is a Whadjuk/Balladong Nyoongar (Mother’s side), Eastern Arrente (Father’s side) heritage woman from Perth. 

She is a visual artist and remains connected to her culture through painting and family.  Jade creates murals and public art in Perth, Western Australia.

Jade's artwork "Boodjar Nakolak Yanginy" (Sharing the Knowledge of the Land) is currently  displayed in the City of Vincent Council Chamber and on the City of Vincent ranger's cars.

The blue represents the old waterways, which once had a rich biodiversity of plants and animals, the green is the land and the warm colours are the people and animals. The black dot in the top left represents the location of the City of Vincent office.

You can view more of her artwork here.

Rohin Kickett

Rohin Kickett is a Ballardong Noongar contemporary Artist and Photographer.

Rohin has worked with the City of Vincent with his photography and contributions to his artwork.  Rohin’s artworks are inspired by his family and their stories of strength and survival and his own experience growing up in Perth. His artwork below represents the Noongar region and is currently displayed in the City of Vincent administration building.

Banks Reserve - Mixed Media 

You can view more of his artwork here.

Darryl Bellotti

Darryl Bellotti is a Yamatji/Nyoongar Indigenous man based in Perth. He works as a Graphic Designer and Consultant for both the Government and private sectors.

With experience in other fields such as Youth Outreach and other community engagement activities, Darryl has strong links to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and works closely with each to bridge the gap in understanding how to grow the foundations for Aboriginal culture to thrive in the wider community and abroad.

You can view more of his artwork here. 

Vincent Admin Building Windows 

 

Six Seasons - Birak

First Summer | December and January

Six Seasons - Bunuru

Second Summer | February and March

Six Seasons - Djeran

Autumn | April and May

Six Seasons - Makuru

Winter | June and July

Six Seasons - Djilba

First Spring | August and September

Six Seasons - Kambarang

Transformational time of the year | October and November

Read more about the Noongar Six Seasons here.

Vincent Admin Building Meeting Rooms

 

Djidi Djidi - Willy Wagtail 

Kaa Kaa - Kookaburra 

Karak - Red Tailed Black Cockatoo 

Koolbardi - Magpie

               

Wardong - Crow

     

                         

                  Djer Djer - Blue Wren

Read more about the local birds here.

City of Vincent uniforms by Kevin Bynder (Kevvynders Art)

 

Kevin Bynder was born in Perth to Whadjuk-Yuet Nyungar Mother and a Widi-Badimia Yamatji Father.

Apart from the City of Vincent, Kevin has also been commissioned by over 30 sporting clubs to create their uniforms. Some clubs include the West Coast Eagles, Port Adelaide, Perth Scorchers, Fremantle Dockers, and the Perth Wildcats. Additionally, he has designed a $2 coin for the Perth Mint. Besides being an artist, Kevin has worked in schools, teaching Indigenous students from remote communities.

Kevin’s art is displayed on the City’s uniforms. It can be seen with the team at Beatty Park Leisure on their winter jackets and Swim School rashies, as well as our polo shirts worn by staff across the City.

The design shows both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people coming together to be as one on the Australian shore.

The circles on the top and the bottom in the green, white and blue show some of the islands of the Torres Strait surrounded by the water. The Aboriginal colours in the middle represent all Indigenous people of Australia the traditional owners of the land. The 2 hands represent the generations of people who have passed through this land and leave their ancestral DNA behind for the future generation. Together both Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous Australians keep their connection to the land.

You can view more of his artworks here.

Beatty Park Tiles by Seantelle Walsh (Kardy Kreations)

 

Seantelle Walsh, known as Kardy Kreations is a contemporary Noongar Artist, born and raised in Perth. She has worked across the Western Australian community under her trade name Kardy Kreations. She delivers painting workshops to various schools and organisations, encouraging cultural diversity with a contemporary perspective on Aboriginal Art and Culture.

Her mother’s paternal heritage has a connection to the Perenjori Balardong area and her mother’s maternal ancestry connects with the Wilman Tribe from Gnaala Kala Boodja region. Seantelle identifies strongly with her culture and proudly displays connection through her work. Being the eldest of six children, she shares a strong sense of family and community.

Seantelle’s artwork can be seen within the tiles of Beatty Park’s 25m indoor pool. The purpose of the Aboriginal tile artwork is to give fun and exciting points of interest in the pool. Swim School uses tile artwork as a tool to assist when teaching.

You can view more of her artworks here.

Frog

Octopus

Goldfish

Abalone

Dolphin

Barnacle

Swordfish

Seahorse

Starfish

Eel

Tadpole

Crocodile

 

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