The inaugural Welcome To The Whales Event took place on the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Friday night and hundreds of people gathered together to celebrate the arrival of these majestic mammals in our region.
A formal welcome was offered by Traditional Landowners who performed a traditional dance, encouraging the children to join in and learn about the culture.
During the festivities, attendees could also leave their handprint on a beautiful whale painting and many people chose to receive traditional indigenous face painting.
Steeped in cultural history, the Welcome To The Whales event was made richer by the ancestral knowledge and input from Traditional Landowners who hosted the festivities.
Traditional Landowners worked closely with Great Barrier Reef Master Reef Guides to create an authentic community event that was a union of historic significance and modern knowledge.
Whitsundays-based Master Reef Guide and Director of Little Fish Tourism Development, Crystal Lacey, said that last Friday’s welcome to the whales ceremony on the foreshore of Airlie Beach was truly very special.
“It felt like pure magic!” she said.
“All in attendance witnessed the passion and deep cultural respect of whales that our Traditional Owners have.
“We’re so grateful to them for allowing us to share in their knowledge and customs.
“Through the ceremony, The Whitsundays community and our Traditional Owners ignited an important flame of connection; and moments like these are just inspirational and so unifying.
The Great Barrier Reef Festival also hosted an Immerse interactive arts and craft workshop where guests could get creative and make coral for the upcoming festival’s art installation.
After the main ceremony, the crowd enjoyed an educational video by the Master Reef Guides on the large outdoor cinema screen.
Following this, families gathered with their picnic blankets and warm jumpers, sitting on the grass to watch the alfresco screening of The Snail and the Whale movie.
Traditional Owners performed a mesmerising dance to welcome the whales
A traditional song created an authentic cultural experience for the crowd
A smoking ceremony marked the beginning of the festivities.
Children joined in the fun! Photo credit: Rachael Smith
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