Pupils combine with Charlie Colbung as mural of Noongar seasons highlights nature school’s Makuru Festival

Mural wizard Charlie Colbung has been at it again, completing another masterpiece as part of the Kwoorabup Nature School’s annual Makuru Festival.

His latest piece showcases the six Noongar seasons and was the feature of the festival, which was attended by about 350 students, their families and staff on June 19.

The six panels of the mural — representing the Noongar seasons of birak, bunuru, djeran, makuru, djilba, and kambarang — were created by Colbung alongside pupils of the Denmark-based school.

As well as the art installation, pupils presented poetry and the evening was finished off by a bonfire, drumming and fire twirling.

School principal Joanna Griffith said the event had help merge fun and learning for the students, with art teacher Jane Emery leading the project.

“Working alongside Charlie has provided a valuable opportunity for students to see first-hand the care, skill and storytelling that goes into creating large scale artwork,” Ms Griffith said.

“Rather than simply producing a finished piece, students have become active participants in a process of inquiry, observation and collaboration.

“The mural forms part of the school’s Languages of the Six Seasons project and has seen children becoming researchers and keen observers of the natural world around them.

“Through outdoor learning experiences, students have been closely monitoring seasonal changes in the local environment, noticing shifts in weather patterns, bird life, plants and the landscape throughout the year.”

Colbung was impressed by the children’s knowledge of Noongar culture and language.

“From day one, the children’s knowledge of the Noongar six seasons, including Noongar words and the pronunciation of many different plants and animals, has been an honour to witness,” he said.

“The respect and dedication the children have shown regarding our ancient Noongar culture is reflected in the mural they have helped create.”

The mural will be displayed in the Denmark town centre on the library wall on Strickland Street from July.