Following the success of the inaugural Welcome Whales Festival last year, the second annual event took place on Friday last week, with over 200 people attending.
Poor weather saw the event move location at the last minute from Airlie Beach Foreshore to Proserpine Entertainment Centre and organisers said they were thankful Whitsunday Regional Council were able to offer an alternative facility enabling the event to go ahead.
A celebration of Indigenous Culture and the deeper meaning of whales within our local culture and history, the event aims to educate, enthral and inspire people to understand more about how whale season connects with us all.
Organised by community-led initiative, Whales of the Whitsundays (WOW), the event fosters and shares cultural connection.
Traditional owners who sit on the steering committee of WOW had been keen to share the story of their connection with whales and the Welcome Whales Festival is a vehicle for this.
“The festivals helps people realise how significant this time of year is for Traditional Owners,” said Olivia Brodhurst, President of WOW.
“This is a time of year where mother whales are calving and it is also the same time of year for ‘Women’s Business’ for Indigenous people.”
The Welcome Whales Festival offered attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in both nature and Indigenous culture.
From basket weaving experiences to bush tucker tasting and information from Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, there was plenty of knowledge to soak-up.
Two pieces of artwork from Giya Ngaro woman Casey McAvoy were also commissioned for the event and then given to platinum sponsors.
Guests of the festival could browse these works and other art pieces at the exhibition, they could also purchase merchandise from the WOW stall with proceeds going back to the organisation.
The formalities of the festival included a welcome ceremony, traditional dancing and storytelling.
This was followed by the premier of the “Whale Nation” cinematic experience.
Plans are already underway for the event to return for its third iteration next year.
The Welcome Whales Festival Indigenous dance performance. Photos supplied
The WOW stall offering signature merchandise
Some of the incredible artwork on display
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