SMOKING CEREMONY MARKS BEGINNING OF MULATAGA DEVELOPMENT ON NGARLUMA COUNTRY
The Mulataga Smoking Ceremony. Credit: Jasper McDonald Blair and Phillip O’Donoghue
A Smoking Ceremony has marked the commencement of the Mulataga development in Karratha, acknowledging Ngarluma culture and connection to Country as work begins on the new community.
The ceremony, led by Ngarluma Elder Kerry Churnside, was held before groundworks commenced, following important cultural protocols to recognise and respect the spiritual and cultural significance of the area.
Mulataga — meaning “Horse Reef” — is an old Ngarluma name connected to the Country where the development is taking place.
Ms Churnside said ceremonies like this are an important part of ensuring projects begin in a culturally safe and respectful way.
“Before any groundwork start… we have to come and go through our cultural protocol. We have to do a ceremony opening ceremony to start the ground works up for this project.”
He said the area holds a deep connection for Ngarluma people, located between the hills and the ocean.
“It’s special to the Ngarluma people because it’s near the hills, and it’s near the ocean.”
Churnside said the Country reflects the relationship between land, waterways and the saltwater traditions of Ngarluma people.
The Mulataga project will deliver around 130 residential lots, along with open spaces, shared pathways and community areas designed to support connection and wellbeing.
City of Karratha Director of Community Experience Emily Anderson said the development comes at a time when the region is experiencing significant housing pressures.
“For the city it means more housing for our community. We know that we have a critical housing shortage here.”
Ms Anderson said collaboration with the State Government and Ngarluma people is important to increasing land supply and creating more housing opportunities for the community.
Ngarluma people have been actively involved in the Mulataga project, including heritage survey work and place naming.
The development represents a partnership between Traditional Owners and the City of Karratha, creating new opportunities while recognising the continuing cultural connection to Ngarluma Country.
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