The General Oceans Foundation, through its Employee Grant Scheme, proudly funded the Whadjuk Sea Country Festival which took place at the Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club in June 2025. The grant was awarded to Dr. Nery Contti Neto of Nortek Australia, who organised the event together with Coastal Connections and SWALS, and brought together partners to deliver a unique Aboriginal-led celebration of ocean and coastal knowledge. Designed to reconnect Aboriginal youth of Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar (Perth region in Western Australia) with the coastal and ocean knowledge of their ancestors, the festival combined cultural traditions and knowledge with scientific research.
The day opened with a smoke ceremony and Welcome to Country led by Whadjuk Noongar Elders, setting the tone for respectful sharing and learning. Students from several schools attended the event and joined Elders in activities, where language, stories, and visions for Sea Country were shared. The students also engaged in drawing and group activities that highlighted the deep cultural ties between the Whadjuk people and the ocean.
Alongside these cultural experiences, volunteers from Nortek, Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia presented interactive science exhibits, offering hands-on opportunities to explore marine ecosystems, oceanography, and coastal research. This blend of Aboriginal knowledge and western science sparked dialogue between students, Elders, and scientists about the ocean’s past, present, and future.
A shared feast, prepared by an Aboriginal catering company, showcased native ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. This added to the sense of community and brought people together to reflect on the day. In total, 85 participants took part in the festival, including students, teachers, Elders, volunteers, and dancers. The event was endorsed by the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, made possible through additional funding and support provided by the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University and Ocean’s Institute at the University of Western Australia, and delivered with support from Umanity Group and the Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club.
