THERE’S a place around the fire for everyone at the Murrook Festival, which returns to Williamtown next Saturday, 14 November.
Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Andrew Smith hopes locals will bring their families, share a meal and get to know and laugh with someone they haven’t met before.
At last year’s festival, he noticed visitors standing in line, holding plates and waiting to be served, while watching his community’s members cook oysters, fish and kangaroo tails over the open fires.
He called them over to join in.
“Say hello to someone you don’t know, and let our community teach you how to cook over the fires,” Mr Smith told them.
Watching strangers mingle and begin cooking, talking and laughing together became one of his highlights of the night.
“That was special,” Mr Smith said.
He hopes there’ll be more moments like that at this year’s free, alcohol-free gathering in the dunes.
Beginning at 4.30pm, the festival will feature music and dance, basket weaving, face painting and opportunities for children to cook dampers over the fires.
Oysters, fish and kangaroo tails will again be on offer, along with curries in damper and additional food vendors to help reduce queues.
A laser show and fireworks are also planned.
“We want people to come out and sit around the fires and just enjoy a sense of celebration of community,” Mr Smith said.
The festival began as a gathering to celebrate the land council’s 40th anniversary. Those who attended enjoyed it so much they asked for another.
Around 2000 people came last year, and Mr Smith said he was “nervously excited” about the possibility of welcoming closer to 4000 this time.
The land council is meeting most of the cost through its own business income, with sponsorship and practical support helping bring the evening together.
Free parking will be available off Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Salt Ash, with signs marking the entrance.
Visitors can take the five- to 10-minute walk to the grounds, while free shuttle buses will assist those needing transport.
Families are welcome to bring chairs, picnic blankets and their own picnic. Fireworks are scheduled for 9pm.
“Come and be part of who we are,” Mr Smith said.
By Althea GUINSBERG
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