Aboriginal Seasons of South West WA

It is typical for people to refer to the four European seasons of winter, spring, summer and autumn but these weather periods aren’t reflective of the true environment observed in the Aboriginal seasons of the South West of WA.

The Nyoongar calendar breaks the year down in to six seasons, including the subtle differences that exist in our region of the world.

MercyCare commissioned local artist Janetia Knapp, a Nyoongar elder (whose people are part of the Goreng dialectal group) to paint the below series that depict the Nyoongar seasons. The paintings are proudly displayed in the refurbished Sister Martin Kelly Centre in Wembley.

To read more about the weather in each season, you can click through to the Bureau of Meteorology website.

All artwork by Janetia Knapp, Nyoongar Elder

Birak (Dec-Jan) Zamia (Djiridji). The first summer & season of the young. Hot & dry with onset of easterly winds.

Bunuru (Feb-March) Bull Banksia (Poolgarla) The second summer & the season of adolescence. Hot dry easterly conditions, with afternoon sea breezes.

Djeran (April-May) Marri (Red Gum) The season of Autumn & of adulthood. Time of marriages & courtship ceremonies. Cooler weather with winds from south-west, first rains, first dew.

Makuru (June-July) Sheoak (Kondil) nuts. The first rains and fertility season. Coldest & wettest time year, with westerly winds.

Djilba (Aug-Sept) Black Wattle (Kwonnat), with Jarrah leaves. The second rains and the season of conception. Mixture of wet days with increasing of clear cold nights and warmer days

Kambarang (Oct-Nov) Christmas Tree (Mudja). The wildflower season and season of birth. Longer dry periods accompany a definite warming trend.

MercyCare’s Aboriginal Pathway Strategy is designed to enhance our overall relationship with Aboriginal people and communities. Learn more about the work that MercyCare is doing in Perth, Derby and Broome.