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Nitja

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A stage lit up in twilight on the shores of Dyoondalup Point Walter with a moon behind and audience seated in chairs in front.

About Nitja

Held on Saturday, 14 February 2026, Nitja (the Noongar word for ‘here’) invited audiences to listen, learn and reflect on stories that have always existed on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan at Dyoondalup Point Walter.

Guided by a circle of Elders, the event emerged from the vision of acclaimed Noongar artists Ian Wilkes and Rickeeta Walley, alongside Yamatji artist Chloe Ogilvie.

Boorloo (Perth) four-piece Mongeeya brought their rich, resonant sound, interwoven with evocative arrangements by Iain Grandage. The work was carried by the powerfully tender voice of Yawuru vocalist Tehya Makani and embodied through the inspired performance of Noongar/Yamatji artist Jayden Boundry.

Nitja was a cultural gathering belonging to this place, this community and to everyone who comes to sit here.

This event was proudly Co-Commissioned and Co-Presented by the City of Melville and Perth Festival 

Audience members at an event under the pine trees, some standing, some sitting.

Share Your Feedback

If you joined us for Nitja, we invite you to share your reflections and feedback. Your thoughts help us understand how the event resonated and guide future arts and culture events in our community.

Thank you for taking a few moments to let us know about your experience.

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Dyoondalup Point Walter Sand Bar

Nitja Audio Guide

Listen as Rickeeta Walley and Ian Wilkes guide you through the meaning woven into the songs, language and stories of Nitja.

Listen nOW
Audience members at an event, sitting on picnic blankets, a stage set up by the river.

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Credits 

Birdiya Circle

Aunty Marie Taylor
Uncle Richard Walley 
Aunty Marlene Warrell
Uncle Brett Collard
Nan Vivienne Binyarn Hansen 

Creatives
Creative Lead - Ian Wilkes
Creative Lead - Chloe Ogilvie
Co-Creative - Rickeeta Walley
Musical Director and Arrangement - Iain Grandage
Video imagery of Dyoondalup - Cole Baxter 
Performers
Original Music and House Band - Mongeeya
Lead Vocals and Guitar - Zac James
Bass and Vocals - Ursula Ross
Percussion and Vocals - Tao Issaro 
Guitar and Vocals - Jeremy Thompson
Vocals - Tehya Makani, Ian Wilkes, Rickeeta Walley, Zac James, Tao Issaro, Jayden Boundry, Iain Grandage
Didj - Jayden Boundry
Keyboard - Iain Grandage 
Maaman Dancers - Dylan Shilitto, Greg Turvey, Rex Humes, Ben Stack, Ash Penfold 
Yorga Dancers - Scarlette Drage, Liani Delgatti 

First Nations Artist Support - Noelene Mantellato 
Boolong Ba Boodalong Animation
Story and Voice - Dr Richard Walley OAM 
Storyboard and Animation - Rickeeta Walley, Alton Walley
Animation Mentoring and Video Editing - Steven Aiton 
Premix, Sound Effects and Folley Editing - Julian Oliver
Sound Mix - Ned Beckley
Music and Audio Post Facility - Envelope Audio
Producer - Creative Melville (City of Melville)
Production
Production Manager - Peter Young
Stage Manager - Stephanie Thackray 
Assistant Stage Manager - Oli Hughes
Live Video Imagery - Icon AV 
Audio Guide
Music Composition and Lyrics  - Ian Wilkes, Rickeeta Walley, Reuben Yorkshire
Spoken Word - Ian Wilkes, Rickeeta Walley 
Additional Vocals - Tehya Makani 
Music and Audio Post Facility - Envelope Audio
Videography - Cole Baxter 

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The City of Melville acknowledges the Bibbulmun people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which the City stands today and pays its respects to the Whadjuk people, and Elders both past and present.

City of Melville nagolik Bibbulmen Nyungar ally-maga milgebar gardukung naga boordjar-il narnga allidja yugow yeye wer ali kaanya Whadjack Nyungar wer netingar quadja wer burdik.