Balanggarra Rangers Take Part in Big Country Puppets Project
The Balanggarra Rangers recently took part in a special collaboration with Theatre Kimberley, Balanggarra Traditional Owners and local schools in Wyndham to combine traditional storytelling, creative expression and community engagement through the art of puppetry.
The Big Country Puppets Project, which began in October 2024 after discussions with Elders, involved the creation of a series of giant puppets that would help tell important local stories, celebrating culture and acknowledging the ongoing impacts of harmful government policies, including the 2011 closing of Oombulgurri.
The puppets, which each represented signifcant animals and figures from local stories, were crafted over a five-week period in collaboration with the rangers, Theatre Kimberley staff and community members at the Jaru Girl Arts Hub. The team created giant puppets of the Unggud (Rainbow Serpent), Jardamuu (Jabiru), Garanggula (Brolga), Banarr (Bush Turkey) and a giant crab.
One of the performances highlighted the work of the Balanggarra rangers, showcasing how they use helicopters as part of their work to cover great distances and carry out prescribed burning, monitor the health of the land and wildlife and manage invasive species like cane toads.
Students from Wyndham District High School and St. Joseph’s School helped to create puppets used in the performance - including sawfish, hammerhead sharks, crocodiles and mudskippers, helicopters, quolls and cane toads!
The script was co-written by the Balanggarra rangers, Traditional Owners and members of Theatre Kimberley.
The project came to life in a powerful performance titled A River is Born and it was a celebration of culture, resilience and the connection to Balanggarra Country.
A proud moment for Wyndham and Balanggarra Traditional Owners as they help to pass stories onto future generations.
Thank you to Theatre Kimberley for facilitating this incredible project and to everyone who took part.
Photos by Landi Bradshaw Photography.