6 Seasons
Want to support our projects?
Make a tax-deductible donation today.
Six Seasons Project Part 1: Short Films
In 2021-2022 The Denmark Environment Centre hosted a field trip for each of the six Aboriginal seasons to locations around Denmark, Western Australia. These six short films document the environmental and cultural significance of various locations in our region with Noongar speakers, scientists, and other local experts, who have studied the lore of the land from a range of perspectives.
Six Seasons Project Part 2: Field Trips & Podcasts
The Six Seasons Series two ran from January 2023- 2024 the project was an opportunity to enable the local community to build and understanding of First nations people’s connection to the environment. It was also an opportunity to educate participants on local scientific issues unique to the area. It was hoped that through these educational experiences the community would be motivated to protect and preserve this unique place.
During the project six field trips were hosted in the Denmark Shire. Each event visited a new and unique landscape in the town this included Lowlands Beach, Weedon Hill, Mount Lindesay, Parry’s Beach + Millars Basin.
In the film Larry Blight a traditional Menang custodian speaks about Lizard traps on Mount Hallowell or Kooryunderup, which is an example of First Nations Peoples traditional hunting techniques. Professor Stephen Hopper discusses the unique flora found on the granite outcrops at the site.
The gnamma holes at the Styx river site demonstrate the way in which water was traditionally conserved for the drier seasons by Aboriginal people. In this film Carol Pettersen discusses the importance of waterways to First Nationas People. Myles Mitchell a local Anthropologist discusses the way in gnamma holes were created and used at the Styx River site.
In the film Averil Dean and Lindsay Dean discuss the traditional food sources found on the inlet for traditional Noongar people living in the area. Morley Beach is also a significant bird feeding ground for migratory shorebirds during this season. In the film Jeremy Ringma from Birdlife Australia discusses the importance of the location to the East Asian Australasian Flyway.
In the short film Lynette Knapp – Merningar yorga discusses the traditional Aboriginal plant uses. First Nations people use native plant species as sources of food, medicine and to create functional items. Mark Parre the local Denmark Shire Revegetation Officer discusses the unique flora that can be found at Mount Lindesay.
In the film Lynette Knapp, a Merningar yorga (Menang Elder) speaks about the environmental and cultural benefits of cultural burns. At Mount Leahy Dr David Edmonds a conservation veterinarian also discusses the impact of different scales of fire on fragile ecosystems like peat swamps.
In the film Larry Blight a Menang custodian discusses the natural resources that can be sourced from around the inlet. Ochre is sourced from a site near the inlet, in the film Larry discusses the ceremonial uses of this ancient rock. Anna Ramthra discusses the geological history of the site. Myles Mitchell also visits traditional fish traps which are ancient stone arrangements which helps to illustrate the traditional fishing techniques used on the inlet.
Parrys Beach is located 20 kilometers west of Denmark. In this podcast Katy Fannei from the Little White Whale project discuss the migration of whale species along the south coast of Western Australia.
Lester Coyne discusses the local fish species which were caught in the early 1800’s by local Aboriginal people and are now housed in the Scottish Museum.
Professor Katy Evans visits her local beach at Lowlands, Youngs Siding and discusses the rich geological science in the area. Menang Custodian Larry Blight makes some keen observations about the traditional activities which occurred during the Bunuru season.
On top of Weedon Hill is a powerful women’s place called Warrumbup. Learn about this special place from Lynette Knapp a proud Merningar Yorga. Ursula Rodriguez also reflects on traditional fire management techniques used at a cultural burn at the base of Weedon Hill.
Prof Pierre Horwitz from the school of environmental science discusses the geomorphology of the landscape around Lake Williams. Aden Eades and Rob Main discuss the cultural heritage surveys and land managment projects undertaken by local Aboriginal rangers at this site.
Aboriginal access to country for cultural purposes. The discovery of a new species of Eucalypt tree and the campaign to save it.
Noongar freshwater fish traps. The unique freshwater aquatic life in the rivers and streams of the south coast area. The threat of climate change to our freshwater wildlife and a project to help them survive.
December – January
Birak
Film: Birak: Stories of the Inlet
Set in the hotter and drier season of Birak, this evocative film explores the deep cultural and natural heritage surrounding the inlet. Menang custodian Larry Blight shares the significance of ochre sourced from the inlet’s ancient landscapes, uncovering its ceremonial uses and spiritual importance. Anna Ramrath provides a fascinating lens into the geological history of the site, while Myles Mitchell guides viewers to traditional fish traps, revealing the ingenious stone arrangements used by the Menang people to fish sustainably. Together, these stories weave a tapestry of tradition, ecology, and connection to country.
Podcast | Lake Williams: Land, Water, and Culture in Birak
In this insightful podcast, recorded during the season of Birak, Professor Pierre Horwitz delves into the geomorphology and hydrology of Lake Williams, a serene site nestled along the Bibbulmun Track near Lights Beach. Aden Eades and Rob Main reflect on the transformative work of Aboriginal ranger programs, discussing land management practices and cultural surveys that honour and protect the region’s heritage. Through expert voices and cultural wisdom, this episode deepens our understanding of the interconnections between landscape, water, and stewardship.
Listen to the Podcast
February – march
bunuru
Film | Bunuru: Life at the Inlet
During Bunuru, the hottest season, the inlet thrives as a hub of life and sustenance. In this captivating film, Averil and Lindsay Dean explore the traditional food sources that sustained the Noongar people living in the area, revealing the deep connection between community and country. At nearby Morley Beach, Jeremy Ringma from Birdlife Australia highlights its critical role as a feeding ground for migratory shorebirds along the East Asian Australasian Flyway, showcasing the global importance of this local treasure during Bunuru.
Podcast | Lowlands Beach: Stories in Stone and Season
In the heat of Bunuru, Lowlands Beach offers insights into both natural science and cultural tradition. Professor Katy Evans takes us to her local beach at Youngs Siding, uncovering the fascinating geological history of the area. Meanwhile, Menang Custodian Larry Blight shares reflections on traditional activities practiced during this season, weaving together cultural and scientific perspectives that enrich our understanding of this remarkable landscape.
Listen to the Podcast
April – May
Djeran
Film | Djeran: The Season of Renewal
Djeran, with its cooler mornings and gentle winds, marks an ideal time for cultural burns. In this illuminating film, Merningar yorga (Menang Elder) Lynette Knapp shares the profound environmental and cultural benefits of these ancient fire practices. Dr. David Edmonds, a conservation veterinarian, examines how fires of varying scales impact fragile ecosystems like peat swamps at Mount Leahy. Together, their insights highlight the delicate balance between cultural tradition and ecological preservation during this transformative season.
Podcast | Warrumbup: Stories of Fire and Stone in Djeran
Set against the backdrop of Djeran’s cooler, damper conditions, this episode features Lynette Knapp, Merningar Barduk Noongar Elder and Adjunct Research Associate at UWA Albany, as she reveals the Noongar history of Warrumbup (Weedon Hill) and its connection to local rock formations. Ursula Rodrigues expands the conversation, exploring the outcomes of contemporary Noongar fire stewardship for both people and Country. This episode offers a deeply rooted understanding of fire’s role in shaping culture and landscape.
Listen to the Podcast
june – july
makuru
Film | Makuru: Waterways and Wisdom
Makuru, the wettest season, underscores the critical role of water in sustaining life and culture. This film features Menang Elder Carol Pettersen as she reflects on the importance of waterways to First Nations people. At the Styx River site, gnamma holes—ingenious water conservation systems—stand as a testament to traditional ecological knowledge. Local anthropologist Myles Mitchell explains the creation and use of these remarkable features, preserving their legacy for future generations.
Podcast | Mount Lindesay: Discoveries and Legacies in Makuru
During Makuru, we journey into stories of discovery and leadership. Basil Schur recounts the discovery of Eucalyptus virginea, an endemic species found at Mount Lindesay, offering a glimpse into the region’s botanical uniqueness. Meanwhile, Menang/Goreng Elder Eliza Woods discusses the transformative impact of First Nations-led initiatives fostering cultural resurgence and ecological stewardship. This episode celebrates Makuru as a season of growth and renewal for both Country and community.
Listen to the Podcast
August – september
Djilba
Film | Djilba: A Season of Blossoms and Stories
Djilba, a season of transition, sees crisp cold days giving way to bursts of sunshine and blooming native flora. In this inspiring film, Merningar yorga (Menang Elder) Lynette Knapp shares the traditional uses of native plants for food, medicine, and practical tools. At Mount Lindesey, Mark Parre, the Denmark Shire Revegetation Officer, highlights the region’s remarkable floral diversity.
Podcast | Parrys Beach: Artefacts and Whales in Djilba
In the heart of Djilba, Parrys Beach reveals rich cultural and ecological narratives. Lester Coyne recounts his visit to Scotland to study Menang artefacts housed in a museum, shedding light on the preservation of cultural heritage. Katy Fanai from the Little White Whale project shares the latest scientific insights into whale populations visiting the South West of WA, blending history and science in this engaging episode.
Listen to the Podcast
October – November
Kambarang
Film | Kambarang: Life Awakens
Kambarang, a season of warmth and renewal, brings reptiles out of hibernation and bushfoods to fruition. In this fascinating film, traditional Menang custodian Larry Blight reveals the intricacies of lizard traps at Mount Hallowell (Kooryunderup), showcasing traditional First Nations hunting techniques. Professor Stephen Hopper highlights the exceptional flora thriving on the granite outcrops of this remarkable site, celebrating the interplay of culture and ecology.
Podcast | Kent River: Freshwater Stories in Kambarang
In Kambarang, the Kent River catchment comes to life as a vital freshwater habitat. Experts from Murdoch University’s freshwater fish unit discuss the ecological significance of Millars Basin, home to diverse fish species. Menang Elder Lynette Knapp and Menang custodian Shandell Cummings share the history and cultural significance of traditional fish traps used in these river systems, weaving together scientific insights and cultural wisdom in this enriching episode.
Listen to the Podcast
Help us keep up the
Good work
We aim to inspire, educate and connect people in the community to protect, preserve and enhance the natural environment through education, research and advocacy.
As a not-for-profit organisation, the Centre relies on membership, donations and volunteers to continue our valuable work.