Whilst living, travelling, visiting and holidaying on Wadandi Boodja, we ask that you respect the area and walk softly on the country, taking the time to listen to Boodja (Country) as she Wongi (talks) of the season, and leave nothing but footprints.- Pibulmun Wadandi Yunungjarli Elder Wayne Webb.
With vintage 2023 commencing, the Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) and Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) would like to invite their members and the local community to join Wadandi Pibulmum Elder, Dr Wayne Webb for a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, for everyone who has recently joined our region to work vintage.
The traditional smoking ceremony is used to cleanse and purify the spirit, body and soul and signifies the beginning of something new. As such, it is the perfect way to welcome the start of this exciting time for the local wine industry as well as acknowledge the many hard-working individuals who have travelled from all over the world to lend a helping hand.
The event will feature live music by local, acoustic artist Dan White. It is free of charge and will take place at Pioneer Park Amphitheatre, Cowaramup from 5.30 pm, Thursday, 23 February 2023. Guests are encouraged to BYO chairs or picnic blankets.
MRWA CEO Amanda Whiteland said, “the start of vintage is an incredibly special time of year in the region’s calendar with lots of seasonal workers arriving and nerves building in anticipation of what the season will deliver.” Adding, “Seasonal workers are critical to our region’s wine and tourism industry and the region’s economy and the community more broadly”.
MRBTA CEO Sharna Kearney said, “We are honoured to have Dr Wayne Webb offering this cultural ceremony to provide newly arrived seasonal workers with an opportunity to build a connection to the Wadandi culture and the local community.”
“The event will offer us all a moment to acknowledge that the Margaret River Wine Region is located upon the ancient lands of the Wadandi People, the traditional owners who have lived in harmony with the environment of Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater People’s Country) for over 50,000 years.”
The Cowaramup Business Association invites guests that would like to go for dinner or refreshments after the ceremony to visit one of the new Cowaramup venues or return to one of the many local favourites.
Jobseekers looking to join the Margaret River Wine Region workforce can find information at margaretriver.wine/work.