Cassandra Edwards

Noongar doll-making with Geri Hayden

OVERVIEW

CAN’s award-winning music, art and language program, Noongar Lullabies took place during 2023 and 2024.

The lead artists for Belmont Lullabies were acclaimed artists Della Rae Morrison and her son Kobi Morrison. Della is an actor, singer and songwriter and Kobi is a musician, songwriter and choir leader in Boorloo.

In 2023 Della and Kobi led registered community members in workshops over 12 weeks to write and record their own original lullabies. Together they introduced some of the original songs at the Belmont Imaginarium festival in late October.

The songbook featuring cover art by Noongar artist Jarnda Councillor-Barnes and a professionally recorded album to sing along with – was released in March 2024.

Noongar Cultural Advisor, Geri Hayden also ran doll-making workshops during the project, a form of cultural transmission, encouraging strength of identity and pride.

Della, Kobi and Geri were supported by CAN's Project Producer, Noongar actor/writer/filmmaker Irma Woods and internationally experienced Community Development Officer Lidia Castro.

Della, Kobi and Irma have strong family and cultural ties to Belmont, having grown up in the area. What a team!

Following endorsement from the City of Belmont’s Aboriginal Advisory Group, from June 2023 CAN partnered with the City of Belmont to deliver Lullabies to the local First Nations community.

Lullabies brings people together to share Noongar language and songwriting techniques. Under the gentle guidance of the lead artists, participants are supported to write and record their own original lullaby, creating a legacy they can pass onto future generations.