Artist panel: Six Seasons Gathering Walyalup. On Country in a climate of change

Join members of the Gathering Yorgas in conversation with local bush foods specialist Marissa Verma (Bindi Bindi Dreaming) as they share their experiences gathering on Country and the changes they’ve observed in Walyalup.

Walyalup’s seasonal abundance: past and present. What changes are being observed on Country by Nyoongar artists and traditional custodians?

Six Seasons Gathering: Walyalup is a collaborative, community-based project that began in 2023, bringing together Nyoongar and Wadjala artists - calling their group the Gathering Yorgas - to create a six-piece art installation representing Walyalup’s seasonal abundance past and present.

These local artists gathered on Walyalup country, and shared seasonal resources from the local area (river, wetlands, ocean and land) to create artworks that reflect the Nyoongar six seasons. These artworks are now proudly displayed in Fremantle as part of the legacy of this special project, initially launched as part of the Fremantle Festival 2024: 10 Nights In Port festival program. 

The project’s unique creative process involved artists’ shared kaatijin (knowledge), language, and resource-gathering to create an inclusive representation of traditional Nyoongar practices and those of the tribes and peoples who have passed through Walyalup. The culture of women sharing work and stories has been experienced by all of these artists as a deep bond that connects them through their love of natural features in this place we call Walyalup Fremantle. 

This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival 2026. The Six Seasons Gathering: Walyalup project is supported by the City of Fremantle and the Western Australian Museum.

Gathering Yorgas Collective: Turid Calgaret, Geri Hayden, Amelia Herriman, Sandy McKendrick, Narelle Ogilvie, Sacha Ogilvie, Tigerlily Ryan and Irma Woods.

Project photographers: Marnie Richardson, Rebecca Mansell.

Image: Marnie Richardson.