The third Emu festival was held last Saturday week at Wooloweyah and on all accounts was a great success. The festival run by the Mudyala Corporation in conjunction with Save our Species was attended by so many families.

The theme this year focused of course on our endangered coastal emu but was extended to include other threatened species like the glossy black cockatoo and the problems of feral animals like pigs. Welcome to country by Yaegl Elder Auntie Elizabeth was followed by amazing dances performed by well-known artists Uncle Lewis Walker, his daughter Carmel and family.

The audience was delighted to watch five First Nation dances involving for example the emu and kangaroo. The dances were explained to the viewers so were also very informative. Uncle Lewis played the didgeridoo which had such a beautiful sound. Thank you so much for coming!

Short talks by Save our Species Lia Hooper updated all on the endangered coastal emu and how they are working with Local Land Services, Clarence Landcare to assist in eradicating feral pigs where the emus roam. It was great to see Clarence Landcare present and Michael Kennedy. Brian Hawkins (Save Our Species) gave an update on the glossy black cockatoos and Victor Ostrowsky contributed with his local knowledge of the glossies as well as Wildlife Preservation Clarence Valley. We were then given an update by Grant Brown (Yaegl Tradition Owners Corporation) on projects Yaegl were involved in. A great update by all and a big thank you for coming.

Rotary again provided sustenance with classic sausages, onion in bread and also vegetarian alternatives. Hosts Mudyala had supplied lots of fruit which was enjoyed.

We also had a great coffee van in attendance for those in need of a coffee.

Families with children of all ages had so many great activities to choose from e.g. – weaving, clay making, wood burning, needle threading … all the children no matter what age had fun.

All attendees were given T-shirts depicting the emu, koala and the glossy black cockatoos. The design, by Aneika Kapeen was stunning.

Thank you to all who made this day possible; to all who came and helped make this day such a success.

Barbara Linley