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
Nitja Audio Guide
Listen as Rickeeta Walley and Ian Wilkes guide you through the meaning woven into the songs, language and stories of Nitja.
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Credits
Aunty Marie Taylor
Uncle Richard Walley
Aunty Marlene Warrell
Uncle Brett Collard
Nan Vivienne Binyarn Hansen
Creative Lead - Ian Wilkes
Creative Lead - Chloe Ogilvie
Co-Creative - Rickeeta Walley
Musical Director and Arrangement - Iain Grandage
Video imagery of Dyoondalup - Cole Baxter
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
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 Manager - Peter Young
Stage Manager - Stephanie Thackray
Assistant Stage Manager - Oli Hughes
Live Video Imagery - Icon AV
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