As part of the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival, ‘Mamma Maali,’ a towering 4-metre Black Swan installation, will nest at Elizabeth Quay, where visitors can watch acclaimed Nyoongar artist Justin Martin bring Mamma Maali to life through a live art installation.

 Alongside this impressive artwork, Festival-goers are encouraged to take part in the One Thousand Origami Swans for Telethon initiative. This activity puts a local twist on the Japanese tradition of ‘senbazuru’- the art of folding 1,000 cranes to make a wish. As visitors fold swans, they can help raise funds for Telethon.

City of Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds highlighted the significance of Mamma Maali in bringing together art, culture and community.

“Mamma Maali is more than just a beautiful artwork – it’s a celebration of Perth’s connection to the Swan River and the Maali, our beloved State emblem. This installation is an opportunity for people of all ages to immerse themselves in Nyoongar culture and contribute to a meaningful cause,” Cr Reynold said. 

“On 27 April, the community’s origami swans will be displayed alongside Mamma Maali, in a beautiful visual representation of Perth’s collective effort to support sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across Western Australia through Telethon.

“In addition to the origami-making workshops, visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including swan pedal boat rides, swan-inspired talks and walks, and craft activities. These events promise a fun and enriching experience for all ages, making it the perfect way to spend time together as a family during the school holidays,” he said. 

The Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival runs for the entire month of April with a packed program of events and opportunities that celebrate Perth’s unique mix of historical and cultural stories, sites and scenes. Nearly all events are free which is great news for families looking to enjoy a Perth ‘staycation’ during the school holidays, but be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.  

Major Supporter Lotterywest and Destination Partner DevelopmentWA said the Festival is the ideal opportunity to visit the City and find out more about its heritage. 

There are more than 100 events on offer throughout the Festival: visitperth.com/Boorlooheritagefestival
 

ENDS
 
Issued by: Grace Carr | [email protected]

 

What's on at Elizabeth Quay:

15 - 17 April  Live Art with Justin Martin
Come down for a yarn with Nyoongar artist Justin Martin as he paints the wings of giant ‘Mamma Maali’ in a live art installation. 
15 – 17, 19 April  Swan Themed Card Making
Attendees can participate in swan-themed card printing activities using recycled printing, stencil and customised stamps with Kindling Creative. 
17 April  Bush Toy Making
Enjoy nature play activities bush toy making, led by Olman Walley from Boorloo Aboriginal Cultural Experiences. 
19 , 23 - 24, 26 - 27 April  Free Face Painting
Get your face painted by the magical Freedom Fairies! Choose from a beautiful black swan or something else just as whimsical. 
19, 26 - 27 April  Swan Pedal Boat Train
Take a joy ride on a giant swan pedal boat train in Elizabeth Quay with ‘Swans on the Swan’.
19, 22 - 24, 26 - 27 April  1,000 Origami Swans for Telethon
Senbazuru is the ancient Japanese art of folding 1,000 origami cranes to fulfil a wish. Take part in a unique local version of this tradition. Fold an origami swan and make a donation to Telethon to help raise funds for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across WA. 
22 April  Goomup (Elizabeth Quay) Walking Tour
From the banks of the Derbal Yerigan (Swan River) we invite you to explore the Aboriginal history of Perth from Dreamtime to colonisation and beyond to present day with Go Cultural.
22 - 24, 26 - 27 April  Dream Catcher Making
Join us for a creative workshop where you'll design and craft your very own swan-themed dream catcher, combining natural and found materials with Kindling Creative. 
23 April  Sustainable Swan Activation with the City of Perth
Join the City of Perth Waste Team for a fun, gamified waste-sorting challenge to learn about our sustainable city and win exciting giveaways. 
24 April  Riverstone Painting
Enjoy nature play activities like river stone painting, led by Olman Walley from Boorloo Aboriginal Cultural Experiences. 
27 April  Mamma Maali Markets
Join us for the final day of Mamma Maali at the Quay with a variety of activities for all ages, including a variety of art and craft activities, free face painting, be entertained by Black Swan Roving Performers and explore a special edition of Markets at the Quay by MarketLife.