A vibrant collaborative arts, culture and nature program — guided by Wardandi custodians Nan Vivian Brockman Webb and Mitchella Hutchins, and land artist Elaine Clocherty, with support from Nature Conservation Margaret River Region — will launch River Celebration Month this March 2026.
The celebrations begin with the Wooditchup Bilya Community Art Workshops on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, gathering under the trees beside the Margaret River Old Settlement before moving onto the River Trail meandering along the Wooditchup Bilya (Margaret River) to connect through creativity, storytelling and shared stewardship.
Locals and visitors are warmly invited to these hands-on workshops to learn and create art with professional artists and cultural knowledge holders, contributing directly to transforming the trail into an immersive outdoor gallery – the Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail.
The workshops weave together Wardandi cultural leadership with artistic and ecological practice, guided by Nan Viv and Mitchella ensuring deep cultural connection and meaning. Participants can explore ephemeral land art practices with internationally recognised artist Elaine Clocherty and local artist Mick Hart or join weaving workshops with local artist Cynamon Aeria.
Artists involved with River Celebration Month
The artworks are shaped by place, in response to land and waters, as “Nature is the most amazing artist,” shared Mitchella, “As collaborative artists we are trying to enhance her beauty – nature – and acknowledge and celebrate the local Wardandi culture. Here in the Southwest we really do appreciate our nature – we hope to share this and for people to become aware that they are walking on ancient Land.”
The Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail launches with a free community celebration on Saturday 14 March. Community members are invited to join Nan Viv, Mitchella and Elaine from 10am to co-create a land artwork, followed by a formal opening from 1–5pm featuring environmental stalls, cultural yarns, artist talks and river conservation presentations.
“It’s about the community having a relaxing afternoon and kicking back together, friends making art.” said Nan Viv. “All the artworks show the incredible abundance of the area from the soils, barks and plants.” Elaine adds that, “Land artworks, created with respect using local natural materials, will tell the stories of the creatures who live here and the life the bilya supports, helping us deepen our connection to its cultural history, ecological significance, and the life-giving qualities of our Wooditchup Bilya.”
The Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail will take people along the banks of the river
The trail, “one of the most gorgeous walks in Margs” says Elaine, will showcase ephemeral artworks by an incredible team of local artists – Nan Vivian Brockman Webb, Mitchella Hutchins, Elaine Clocherty, Cynamon Aeria, Mick Hart and Kyllie Deltondo – with contributions from local community, Artzability – a program for young adults with disabilities, schools including Augusta Primary, Margaret River Primary, Margaret River Independent, Margaret River Senior High, Montessori, Rapids Landing Primary, St Thomas More Primary, and the local homeschooling community.
With a River Sundowner, documentary screening of River and guided paddles throughout March, there are multiple ways to join River Celebration Month (March 7–22). “We invite people to slow down, listen and experience Wooditchup Bilya,” said Protect Wooditjup Bilya project manager Hannah Weir.
Protect Wooditjup Bilya officer Hannah Weir
The Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail reflects a collaborative partnership between Wardandi custodians, artists, Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, schools, community and the Shire — united in celebrating and caring for the river. The project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.
Tickets and program details: www.natureconservation.org.au