The opening of vintage ceremony for 2024 in Margaret River. Image courtesy Margaret River Wine Association
The Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) invites community and visiting workers to a special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to celebrate the start of Vintage 2025 on Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater Country).
This cultural event will be led by local custodians Dr. Wayne Webb and Iszaac Webb. The aim of the traditional smoking ceremony is to cleanse and purify the spirit, body and soul while marking the beginning of something new.

“Having the Undalup Association offering this beautiful cultural ceremony to welcome workers to our community and celebrate the start of vintage is truly special,” said MRWA CEO Amanda Whiteland. “It enriches our cultural knowledge and fosters meaningful connections, and we can’t thank them enough.”

The event, now in its third year, will be introduced by Myles Pollard, an actor, writer, director, and producer with over two decades of experience in Australian film and television.

The evening will feature live music by local musician Dan White, as well as traditional dance and song by visiting workers from Timor Leste, Fiji and Tonga.
The event is free and will take place at Pioneer Park Amphitheatre, Cowaramup, from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm, Thursday 30 January 2025.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic chair or blanket, and international workers are encouraged to bring a flag or wear a traditional clothing from their home country to showcase the multicultural spirit of the vintage workforce in the Margaret River Wine Region.

This year’s event is organised by the Margaret River Wine Association and supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, TeamsWork (formerly SW Labour Solutions) and Undalup Association. Jobseekers looking to join the Margaret River Wine Region workforce can find information at www.margaretriver.wine/work.
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