Published on Friday, 4 September 2026 at 10:00:00 AM

Students, staff, community members and project partners gathered at Donnybrook District High School (DDHS) on 4 August 2026 to celebrate the official opening of Danjoo Koorliny, the Community Yarning Circle – a significant new space dedicated to cultural learning, connection and belonging.

Representing the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup at the opening, Deputy Shire President Cr Alex Purich the project reflects the community's commitment to strengthening connections, celebrating culture and creating opportunities for future generations to learn from one another.

"The Community Yarning Circle is so much more than a physical space," Cr Purich said.

"It is a place where students, families, teachers and community members can come together to share stories, celebrate culture, learn from one another, and build understanding and respect. This demonstrates the strength of collaboration and the positive outcomes that can be achieved when organisations, businesses and community members work together towards a common goal."

James Milne, DDHS Principal, expressed his gratitude for the cultural leadership behind this project in his opening address at the event.

“Our Yarning Circle has been a genuine co-design initiative, thoughtfully led by our Cultural Education Advisor, Wendy Mountford, and our Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer, Telicia O' Dine, in partnership with Karim Khan and Corey Khan,” Mr Milne said.

“You have created a place that reflects culture, connection and belonging, a place where our young people can continue to learn from Aboriginal perspectives, deepen their understanding of culture and strengthen their connection to community for generations to come.”

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What is Yarning?

Yarning is a culturally significant practice used by Aboriginal people to share knowledge, stories, experiences and perspectives through respectful conversation. More than simply talking, "having a yarn" creates opportunities to listen, learn, build relationships and deepen understanding. Grounded in connection and mutual respect, yarning helps strengthen both community and culture.

Reflecting these values, the Community Yarning Circle has been given the name Danjoo Koorliny by Telicia O'Dine, meaning "Walking Together." The name captures the spirit of the space as a place where people come together to share, learn, connect and grow through meaningful conversation.

At its heart, yarning is about building relationships, sharing knowledge and creating safe spaces where everyone can be heard, respected and valued. Traditionally, a Yarning Circle provides a place where people gather to talk, listen, learn from one another and make decisions together through respectful dialogue.

Danjoo Koorliny – Walking Together provides a dedicated space where students, families, teachers and community members can come together in that spirit, fostering cultural learning, meaningful conversations and stronger connections across generations.

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Honouring local Noongar culture & the stories that shape us

This project reflects DDHS' commitment to honouring the rich culture, history and knowledge of the local Noongar community, creating a welcoming space for cultural learning, connection and shared understanding.

For generations, people across the Shire have come together to share stories, celebrate milestones and support one another. Whether through sporting clubs, volunteer groups, community organisations, local events or conversations between neighbours, these connections help preserve local history, strengthen community spirit and create a sense of belonging.

The Community Yarning Circle builds on this tradition while creating new opportunities to learn from, celebrate and respect the world's oldest living culture. Co-designed with community, it also stands as a symbol of partnership, reconciliation and a shared vision for the future.

As the district grows and welcomes new families, spaces like the Yarning Circle help ensure that respect for culture, connection to place and community spirit remain at the heart of what makes the Shire special.

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More than a project – the magic of collaboration

The opening of the Yarning Circle demonstrates what can be achieved when schools, community members, businesses and local government work together towards a shared purpose.

Supporting the Shire's vision of healthy, inclusive and connected communities, the Community Yarning Circle represents both a celebration of the district's cultural heritage and an investment in its future. It is expected to become a valued gathering place where stories are shared, relationships are strengthened and new legacies are created for generations to come.

The Shire also acknowledges the many organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who contributed to the success of this project. Their support and willingness to share their time, knowledge and perspectives have all played an important role in shaping this meaningful space.

The opening ceremony celebrated not only the completion of a new community asset, but also the inclusion, collaboration and shared vision behind it – ensuring the legacy of connection, culture and community continues for future generations.

Photos supplied by the Preston Press - Donnybrook Community Resource Centre (CRC)

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