This project was a very enjoyable experience, to learn some more language words, and to work with the other mothers to create something on behalf of our children, so that later our children can see what we have done for them and with them.

– Moorditj Kulungar parent and Lullabies Kwinana participant Frances Indich Munoz

While the day started like any other at Moorditj Kulungar Playgroup – with mat time, an acknowledgment of Country and a fruit snack – there was an air of excitement on Tuesday 28 October.

It was time for the Moorditj Kulungar children, caregivers and staff to receive their copies of Moorditj Kulungar, the Noongar language sing-along board book that they had all helped to create, named for their very own playgroup. Joining us for this special occasion were Noongar Elder Lynn Coomer, the City of Kwinana’s Aboriginal Culture and Strategy Lead Amanda King and colleagues from the City Life Directorate, and family, kin and friends from the Aboriginal community.

Over several months, the Moorditj Kulungar Playgroup took part in the Lullabies Kwinana project, a series of language and music workshops led by Noongar musicians Cyndy Moody and Kobi Arthur Morrison that culminated in the creation and recording of a joyful song in Noongar. Named Moorditj Kulungar, the song celebrates the group’s connection to Whadjuk Boodjera (Country) and encourages language acquisition through movement. 

Now that song has been published in a board book, beautifully illustrated with pictures of native fauna, against the bilya (river) and Boorloo/Perth city skyline, by Moorditj Kulungar parent and artist Erika Rose and her brother, artist Emilio Fernandez.

Enjoying the sudden warmth of the Kambarang day, the group sat in the shade of the gum trees for the unveiling of the book, which involved singing and dancing accompanied by Kobi on guitar and, of course, the very first reading of the book by playgroup leader Fran Windon.

Children and parents alike were delighted by the book, with its sweet-faced, bright-eyed kangaroos, magpies, emus and dolphins and recognisable sky-line, as well as the portraits of the child participants.

“I think the art on the front and inside the book is really good, it's very cute. And I like the fact that the Noongar words are bolded as well, and everyone that's participated is in the book at the back,’ said Moorditj Kulungar parent and Lullabies Kwinana participant Erin Lisa Johnston.

“It’s good to see it come together in the end. I love it. I think it's great. When I see my kids in this book, I feel pretty special,” added parent and participant Lisa Carter.

The book includes a QR code to a recording of the song, so that children and their caregivers can sing along as they read. A glossary of Noongar words that feature in the book is also included. 

“I really enjoyed being part of this activity for us to learn language and create a song for our children here at playgroup,” said Frances Indich Munoz.

“I look forward to showing my children what we've been a part of so they can continue to learn and enjoy these songs that we've created.”

Lullabies Kwinana is presented by CAN in partnership with Moorditj Kulungar Playgroup and is supported by the Federal Government through the Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

Pictured top: Moorditj Kulungar book // credit Edwin Sitt