Banjima traditional owners officially welcomed our Gudai-Darri project team to their Country this month, offering safe passage and protection of their spiritual being while working and living in Banjima Country.

On Friday, 5 November, the Monadelphous Engineering Construction integrated project team was proud to be invited to a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at their office complex at the Gudai-Darri Phase 1 Project.

Tim Parker, Rex Parker and Taj Hayes Parker of the Banjima traditional owners performed the ceremony highlighting the cultural significance of the surrounding area and to offer the team, as visitors to the land, safe passage and protection of their spiritual being.

“There was a feeling of great significance – you could feel the presence of the spirits,” said Senior HSE Advisor, Nicholas Purcell.

“It felt like there was a really deep connection, and it was great to be able to personally say thank you to the Parker’s at the end of the ceremony,” said Peggy, Charlotte Hilgendorf.

Banjima country is 1,400 kilometers north of Perth centred on Karijini National Park and Manggurdu (Fortescue River and floodplain) and extends to Birdirrla (Chichester Ranges) and Wirlawali Creek. Banjima lands and waters are home to many sacred sites including ancient stone engravings and the gorges, which have spiritual significance and are governed by customary laws.

The team were very appreciative of the welcome and showed their respect by personally thanking the traditional owners individually after the ceremony.