Kwarbah Djookian Dance Group with Max Hipkins.
Camera IconKwarbah Djookian Dance Group with Max Hipkins. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Mayor to host blessing of the river ceremony

Rosanna Candler, Western Suburbs WeeklyWestern Suburbs Weekly

‘Now it will not be obvious how much money and effort is being spent on river management,’ Mr Hipkins said.

‘We’re hopeful that the Government will acknowledge that and do the right thing in protecting the river and making sure the right management tools are in the right place to do the job properly.’

The City of Nedlands will host a Blessing of the River ceremony and free community breakfast at Beaton Park in Dalkeith on December 8 from 8-9am.

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The event will feature a Welcome to Country, guest speakers and Aboriginal women’s dance group Kwarbah Djookian.

Mr Hipkins said the event would send a message to the Government that the community valued the Swan River.

‘The ceremony will celebrate its spiritual, cultural and historical significance in the past, present and into the future,’ he said.

Kwarbah Djookian manager Karla Hart said the blessing was a chance to escape the ‘reality of concrete and city’ and connect with nature.

‘To bless a river is to bring people to it and celebrate its special healing role,’ Ms Hart said.

‘All Australians should take ownership together and be proud of the fact that we come from a country with the oldest living songs, language, stories and culture in the whole world.’

The City is encouraging people to leave their cars at home and ‘travel smart’ by walking or cycling to the event to go into a prize draw.