Royalties for Regions Success | Tjuma Pulka Media Aboriginal Corporation

Regional Arts WA

Photo by: Martine Perret

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia.

Tjuma Pulka Media Aboriginal Corporation provides First Nation musicians a radio platform to play their music to their communities. In 2016, for the first time in a number of years, Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s NAIDOC Festival coincided with the national celebrations. Country Arts WA supported Tjuma Pulka to create an innovative arts and culture program for the festival that encouraged, showcased and honoured the region’s young talent.

There was a performance of a stunning contemporary dance piece developed by Tjuma Pulka under the guidance of Laverton elders. An Internationally renowned choreographer was engaged to work with children from Laverton and Kalgoorlie-Boulder to create Gulliah Tjookorr or the Emu Dreaming dance. For the 30 young people involved, it was the first time they had performed on a professional stage and in front of audience of over 300 people who were left mesmerised by the thoughtful crafting of the dance.

“…the young people themselves, they knew they achieved something significant and had the exhilaration of the performance. They knew all their time and hard work had paid off and they had a feeling of accomplishment that they had never felt before. They know they did themselves proud and their families proud. Some of them come from strong families and others of severe disadvantage… The dance doesn’t discriminate and brought them all together as one.”

Jacqueline Spurling, Wangatja Teacher

Impact of the Royalties for Regions Creative Regions in the community: