Proudly supporting Aboriginal storytelling and writing

Fremantle Ports is the principal sponsor of the 2019 Woylie Project’s Aboriginal Writers Development Program.

Woylie’s focus is centred on Aboriginal voices, giving people a sense of the storytelling tradition of Australia and sharing and celebrating Noongar culture.

The initiative provides local storytellers with a place to come for mentorship, support and skills to publish and present their stories under the direction of Aboriginal academics and storytellers Noongar Elders Noel Nannup and Marie Taylor.

Woylie Project Coordinator Jennifer Bird said she was delighted to have Fremantle Ports on board as the principal sponsor.

‘The Woylie Project gives our community an opportunity to come together to showcase and celebrate the wonderful work of Aboriginal emerging writers and illustrators,’ she said.

Neil Stanbury, of Fremantle Ports, said the Woylie program was a new and exciting partnership between the community-led Woylie Project and Fremantle Ports.

‘The opportunity to sponsor the Aboriginal Writers Development Program, which is all about sharing Noongar culture, celebrating Noongar families and raising awareness of the diversity of Aboriginal stories and communities, is really special.’

The Woylie Festival kicked off on 20 July with a free family event Moort Kaalak - Family Home-fire, held as part of the Fremantle Festival 10 Nights in Port.

 Elder Marie Taylor at the launch

The launch was a Makuru (winter) night of Aboriginal stories, a unique evening of storytelling performance of sand and firelight featuring Aboriginal Elders, writers, educators, musicians and artists. Between 300-500 people attended throughout the night.

Among the 12 Aboriginal presenters were Cheryl Kickett-Tucker (above) and Brendan Moore who launched the Aboriginal Writers Professional Development Program for Fremantle Ports.

Go to the Woylie Project website.