The Bundiyarra Community Centre hosted a two‑day language conference run by First Languages Australia. The centerpiece of the gathering was a Community Language Project Framework that walks participants through every stage of a community‑driven revitalisation effort – from brainstorming ideas, exploring existing organisations and resources, to building a concrete project concept right at the conference.
Anna Lee Little, Waka Waka woman from Central Queensland and facilitator for First Languages Australia Poses for a potrait on Yamaji Barn at Bundiyarra Language center on the 15th October 2025 – Photograph by Tamati the Yamaji
Annalee Little of Waka Waka summed up the purpose of the framework: “We’re empowering communities to identify their own language needs and turning those insights into a report that can be used to advocate locally and regionally. Consent and data sovereignty are essential – our role is to support, not dictate.” The conference has already completed 25 in‑person consultations, feeding data into a forthcoming national plan that will detail actions, responsibilities, resources and timelines.
Meanwhile, the Community Arts Network funded a series of monthly workshops in the Midwest led by Flewnt and Optamus. Students from Mullewa and Geraldton collaborated to write and record a rap music video, which premiered at a live community gathering.
Students from mullew and geraldton stand withe Flewnt and Optamus during the live performance and the unveiling of their music video on 16th of October 2025 – Photographed by Jesse Pickett
The Yamaji Southern Regional Corporation’s NAIDOC celebration began with a Didgeridoo performance by Dadajaal, a set from The Karloo Rockers, a Welcome to Country by Donna Ronan, and a smoking ceremony led by Councillor Derek. As part of a cultural gift exchange, the Dadajaal dance group presented a kangaroo‑skin football handcrafted by local artist Dion Harris.
Brian Simpson holds the Aboriginal flag with his baby in the stow gardens while they wait for the sun to set and for the drone show to begin on the 18th of October 2025 – Photographed by Tamati The Yamaji
The evening culminated in the First Lights Bimarra drone show—also called the Bimarra Dreamtime Show—which illuminated the beach sky with choreographed light patterns that narrated the Dreamtime story of the Bimarra which extends from the ocean inland as far as meekatharra..
The silhouette of a woman illuminates the sky as crowds watch on as part of the First Lights Bimarra Drone Show on the 18th of October 2025 – Photographed for Tamati the Yamaji
The event combined traditional performances, contemporary music, and drone technology, highlighting the power of community‑led cultural renewal across language, youth arts and public celebration.
- First Lights Bimarra Drone Show: The drone show illustrated the Dreamtime story of the Southern Cross with choreographed light patterns, showcasing how modern technology can celebrate and narrate Indigenous cultural stories.
- Community-Led Cultural Revitalization: The event integrated traditional cultural performances with contemporary arts and technology, exemplifying community-led efforts to renew and celebrate Indigenous culture across multiple domains.
- Cultural Significance of NAIDOC Celebrations: NAIDOC events featured performances, a Welcome to Country, and a smoking ceremony, celebrating Indigenous heritage and community cohesion through traditional and contemporary practices.
- Community Language Project Framework: A structured framework was presented to guide community-driven language revitalisation efforts, emphasizing community input, data sovereignty, and practical project development, with 25 consultations feeding into a national plan.
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