Conference of the Birds 2026

By Jules De Cinque, Margie Mackay

The third annual Conference of the Birds returned to Boolarra for another spectacular community arts event on Saturday May 23. Over 300 artists, dancers, musicians, puppeteers, volunteers, Boolarra Primary and Mirboo North Secondary school students and audience, participated in a creative gathering to celebrate the last days of autumn and herald the coming winter.

Artistic Directors, Margie Mackay and Gilbert Douglas (D&M Art Productions), produced a stunning epic-scale, accessible and site-specific community arts event based on a 12th century Sufi tale, Conference of the Birds. The story tells of a group of birds embarking on a quest through seven valleys in search of a leader, finally reaching the Valley of Harmony and Unity where they discover their strength lies within and among themselves.

Conference of the Birds began at Railway Park. As the crowd gathered, there were lively performances by the Latrobe Valley Multicultural Dance Group and the Bollywood Girls Dancers. Mo Talib narrated the full story of Conference of the Birds, then Gunaikurnai poet and musician, Monica Karo McDonald, led walkers to the Valley of the Quest where she and Shannon Edwards offered a warm Welcome to Country. Ashleigh Dalton and the Djeetgun Girls danced beautifully, and the audience attended the smoking ceremony with eagerness before the walk.

Further along the trail, the students of Boolarra Primary, dressed in their fabulous costumes and big smiles, presented the Valley of Love.

Then the audience walked the two kilometre journey along the Grandridge Rail Trail, towards the Meadows. During this Art Walk they experienced six extraordinary installations by local artists, nestled in the bush, and each representing a mysterious valley from the story. Lead Artists included Garryelle Rose, Cathryn Thompson (with Deb Morrison and Paul Jesse), Anthea Williams (with local women), Carla Callanan and Charlotte Ryan, Susan Purdy, Ronald Edwards Pepper and Chermaine Hall.

The final valley of the story, the Valley of Harmony and Unity, was staged at the Meadows. Here the audience settled beside glowing fire pits and enjoyed an amazing program of music and dance performances. Monica Karo McDonald returned to the stage, as well as ARIA award winner, Kavisha Mazzella AM, and widely acclaimed local musician Penelope Swales. The Djeetgun Girls generously and beautifully danced a Welcome to Ceremony and the contemporary dancers of Company D&M skillfully interpreted the time of chaos that had led the birds to embark on their search for a leader. The fabulous Invy Horn Jam lead a joyful line of musicians, artists and performers to the stage followed by a parade of children and young people with their lanterns. Later these children and young people joined others for an exuberant dance to the iconic hit, ‘BlackFella WhiteFella’, creating a sense of connection, pride in and care for Country and each other. A group of local women joined Kavisha Mazzella to sing serenades to hope and healing. Two gorgeous fire performances added more excitement to the event, culminating in the brilliant Celebration of the Birds bonfire. Dancing around the fire, accompanied by the Invy Horn Jam, continued until the last shuttle bus left to return to town.

Thanks to all who made Conference of the Birds possible, including the amazing site and tech crews. We were very grateful for the work of local volunteers, especially Craig Burrows, Nicole and Gareth Williams, Donna Mack, Leigh Shields, the Boolarra CFA and The Wednesday Warriors. We also recognise and appreciate the invaluable support of our sponsors, Creative Australia, Latrobe City Council, Boolarra Community Development Group, Mirboo North and District Community Foundation, Kennards Hire and Cafe and Pizza HQ, Churchill. Thank you.

If you would like to participate in some art making or volunteer to be part of the site crew next year, please email Gilbert and Margie: info@douglasandmackay.com.