DRONE SHOW TO BRING SACRED SEVEN SISTERS STORY TO LIFE OVER MURUJUGA

BY ASAD KHAN

As part of the Red Earth Arts Festival 2025, the spectacular Bunggaliyarra Munggu – First Lights Drone Show will illuminate the skies over Hearson Cove on Sunday, May 18, celebrating one of the oldest continuous cultural stories, the Seven Sisters songline, in its spiritual birthplace of Murujuga.

This free event, hosted by Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation, marks the closing ceremony of REAF 2025 and combines traditional Yindjibarndi and Ngarluma storytelling with cutting-edge drone technology.

Audiences will witness the Seven Sisters story come to life in a dynamic light show beginning at 7:00 PM, with the event running from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Free tickets are available at https://mayalarri.com.au

To ensure access for the Roebourne community, a complimentary bus service will transport registered patrons to and from Hearson Cove. The bus will depart from the Ngurin Centre, with check-in starting at 5:15 PM and departure scheduled for 5:30 PM.

The return journey will begin from Hearson Cove between 8:15 PM and 8:30 PM, depending on traffic. Each individual must register to secure a seat, which also serves as their event ticket. Registrations can be made at: https://karratha.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/149048.

Mrs T Daneils daughter Regina and Kaylene Daniel

This landmark event not only showcases the region’s cultural richness but also honours the legacy of the late Mrs. T. Daniel, a revered cultural leader and advocate for Yindjibarndi and Ngarluma heritage.

The drone show reflects her enduring influence, with her daughter, Kaylene Daniel, noting, “Seeing this story as a drone show at that sacred site will be very special and important, and I know she will be there in spirit”

Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation CEO Lorraine Coppin emphasised the importance of the event in preserving and sharing cultural knowledge.

“This is her story, this is mum's story. This is the Yindjibarndi story. This is something that we need to take in. You might not take all of it in, but you might take something from this event. You know, you might take the story that relates to Yindjibarndi’s creation time, the story of the women,”

“How women are very special and important in our community. But this is what we want to showcase at this event.”