Breathing in Mannalargenna
• Treenoner Dance Group L-R: Cruze Smart, Molly Richardson, Karen Smart, Cooper Jones. Image Carmencita Palermo, QVMAG.
By Taylor Clyne
December 7, 2022
A sea of people were present to celebrate Mannalargenna Day at Tebrakunna Country in Little Musselroe Bay on Saturday.
The cultural festival honours Tasmanian Aboriginal clan leader Mannalargenna who was a formidable warrior and powerful spirit man.
In the eight short years that the festival has run, gatherings have gone from less than 100 people to more than 700 at this year’s event.
Event co-organiser Aunty Patsy Cameron said it was wonderful to see so many people and families come to share their story.
“The weather was absolutely amazing, so warm; people were even swimming at the beach which was a first for the festival.
“The day was crammed with activities and especially things for the children.
“They made mutton bird puppets and painted rocks; they formed clay into medallions with aboriginal designs on them and participated in scavenger hunts.
“There was a sand sculpturing competition and they cooked damper on long sticks over the coals.”
Two elders Aunty Fay Ralph of Bridport and Aunty Brenda Hodge from Hobart gave a meaningful welcome to country.
Governor of Tasmania Barbara Baker officially opened the day providing an address to the hundreds of onlookers and launched the art exhibition.
Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC) thanked Carmencita Palermo, Jon Addison and Vicki West from Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery for curating the art.
“Their exhibition featured Aunty Judith Rose Thomas, Lisa Kennedy, Annie Ellis and Belinda Casey – it was a warm and welcoming space for the public to engage.”
Aunty Patsy said the food tasters were enjoyed by so many from Kangaroo patties and steaks, mutton birds, abalone mutton and crayfish. The day had it all.
“We even had tastes of wild salads from parsley samphire and salt bush as well as cultural circles creating spears, bowls and dance.
“Our hearts were filled by the experiences shared from people who came. There were lots of people learning for the very first time and it was special to see,” she said.
MTWAC extended a heartfelt thanks to the fifty plus volunteers and sponsors who simply they could not do it without.
“Your generosity is seen and appreciated,” she concluded.