This video provides a window into the 2024 Noongar Lullabies from Swan project, which culminated in the launch of Maaman Weitj, an album and songbook of Noongar lullabies written and performed by members of the Moorditj Maaman men’s group, led by Noongar artists Cyndy Moody, Kobi Arthur Morrison and Sharyn Egan.

Against a backdrop of sounds and images from the launch of Maaman Weitj, you’ll hear from members of Moorditj Maaman, explaining how this project celebrates Noongar language and culture, and what they gained, personally and as a community, from their involvement in the project.

Maaman Weitj is the eighth edition of Noongar Lullabies, a program designed by Community Arts Network to revive Noongar language and culture through story, music and song. Led by Noongar artists, the program sees Noongar community members create and record original songs, written and performed in language. What was special about this iteration of Noongar Lullabies is that it was the first time that all those community members were men.

Like the male emu of the album's title, who shares responsibility for both incubating eggs and raising young, this album challenges gender assumptions, celebrating the strength of Noongar men as caregivers and nurturers, as well as leaders.