First Lights – Nyinggulu
Hazel Walgar and Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation and Sonya Edney

April 2023 saw one of nature’s most phenomenal occurrences, a Total Solar Eclipse, take place across the World Heritage listed Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) region. The shadow of the moon graced the tip of Western Australia, with the Exmouth region becoming host to the most accessible place on Earth to view this spectacle. Preceding and closing this occurrence, First Lights: Nyinggulu took place on Baiyungu Country at Cardabia Station followed by Town Beach at Exmouth. Guided by Baiyungu Custodian Hazel Walgar of the Nyinggulu coast and Yingarrda-Wadjarri artist Sonya Edney, the spectacular Dreaming story of the great eclipse resounded across the night sky. An epic story born from silence, of Jirndarl and Willarda, the sun, the moon and their first encounter.

“This project represents a significant opportunity for us to develop and expand new cross-sector partnerships and to develop a meaningful and relevant arts experience that pays tribute to our Traditional stories and culture, that connects broad audiences to engage with spiritual connection to place.” – Baiyungu Traditional Owner and lead cultural knowledge holder for First Lights: Nyinggulu, Hazel Walgar.

Co-presented with the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation as part of the Jamba Nyinayi Festival and Tourism WA as a part of the Dark Sky Festival.

Artists: Hazel Walgar and Sonya Edney
Composer: Alice Humphries
Sound Design: Envelope Audio
Narrated by Hazel Walgar and Ilona McGuire
Animation & Videography: Jarrad Russell
Script Editor: Jennifer Kornberger
Technical Partner: Stellar Lights