Iconic entertainer Ernie Dingo has led celebrations at Wooroloo Prison Farm, for the official naming of the facility’s revitalised Cultural Area as part of NAIDOC Week.
The space, which was fully restored by prisoners, has been named Koorlbardi Nyitting (Magpie Dreaming) and will serve as a place of rest, reflection, and cultural and social connection.
Mr Dingo, a Yamatji man, shared his experiences as a groundbreaking Aboriginal actor and entertainer at the Naming Ceremony for the area.
Prisoners, staff, and visitors were also treated to a cultural performance by a Binar Dancer and Didgeridoo Musician, and live concert set by WAM Indigenous Song of the Year Winner Boox Kid.
Mr Dingo, who stayed on to yarn with prisoners well after the ceremony concluded, said he had a real connection with many of the men in care.
“Most of these boys I played footy with or basketball or have associations with their family because they’re from all over the State”, Mr Dingo said.
“So, it’s catching up with long lost friends. When you’re having a yarn, time is of no essence.”
The Koorlbardi Nyitting space features six totems representing the Noongar seasons, a firepit, benches, and feature walls, all built by prisoners using stonemasonry techniques and newly learned skills in the metal shop and woodwork areas.
Department of Justice Acting Director General Joanne Stampalia said the prisoners should be incredibly proud of what they’d created.
“It’s evidence of their hard work, skill and talent – but also of their willingness and determination to build something better for themselves and others,” she said.
Commissioner Brad Royce said creating a lasting space for prisoners to use well into the future served the NAIDOC Week theme of keeping the fire burning.
“NAIDOC Week is not a tick the box event”, he said. “For the Aboriginal men in care here to have an opportunity to say: ‘We matter, and we’ve got Culture to bring to this place’, is a really important part of our journey.”
