It was all about the healing journey, leading the way for others. To hear your own language again in song, it’s just something pretty special.

– Lullabies Swan participant Jonathan Blurton

The tree-lined lawns of Mandoon Estate were festooned with picnic rugs, people and a scatter of life-sized emu artworks, for the launch of the album and songbook Maaman Weitj: Noongar Lullabies from Swan, held Saturday 2 November 2024.

As the sun dipped towards the horizon, the enthusiastic audience of family, friends and supporters enjoyed a live performance of the album by songwriters and members of Moorditj Maaman Men’s Group, accompanied by Noongar musicians and Lullabies Swan facilitators Kobi Arthur Morrison and Cyndy Moody.

For the Moorditj Maaman, this concert was about more than performing, however. It was about connecting to their language and culture.

“In April, most of us knew few Noongar words, not many, but we’ve come on a long journey,” Moorditj Maaman member and participant Graham Cox told the audience. “When you’re in a group like this, it makes you feel that you want to do something, not just for yourself but for your mates, for our little Koolangkas, our families, our community.”

Written and recorded by members of Moorditj Maaman Men’s Group under the guidance of Cyndy and Kobi, the lullabies on the Maaman Weitj album celebrate the strength of Noongar men as caregivers and nurturers as well as leaders. Like the male emu of the album’s title, who shares responsibility for both incubating eggs and raising young, this album challenges gender assumptions.

Cyndy and Kobi worked one-on-one with the men to shape and translate each song. By providing this safe cultural space in the form of Noongar language support, the project provided opportunities for healing from difficult experiences and memories.

Watching children dancing jubilantly in front of the stage, it was clear that the next generation appreciated the songs and stories being shared.

Kids also made their own animal totems with Noongar textile artist and Lullabies Swan facilitator Sharyn Egan and had their faces decorated by Noongar artist Sarah Weston.

That focus on children was echoed in the conversations surrounding the event.

“[This project is about] creating a legacy for the generations to come and really stepping out of the box as men to show that you can care, you can have a soft side,” said participant John Mogridge.

Pictured top: Maaman Weitj: Noongar Lullabies from Swan songbook // credit Edwin Sitt