Current Events

Birak – season of the young

First summer: December to January

Mosaic burning time.

Lifestyle of the Nyoongar communities during Birak

Birak season sees the rains ease up and the warm weather start to take hold. The afternoons are cooled by the sea breezes that abound from the south-west. This was the fire season, a time to burn the country in mosaic patterns.

An almost clockwork-style of easterly winds in the morning and sea breezes in the afternoon meant that traditionally this was the burning time of year for Nyoongar people.

They would burn the country in mosaic patterns for several reasons including fuel reduction, increasing the grazing pastures for some animals, to aid in seed germination for some plants and for ease of mobility across the country.

As for the animals, there are many fledglings now venturing out of nests, though some are still staying close to their parents. Reptiles are looking to shed their old skin for a new one.

With the rising temperatures and the decreasing rainfall, it’s also time for baby frogs to complete their transformation into adulthood.

Again thank you to the GBGQs for the beautiful artwork.

Upcoming Events

Family Beach Adventure

Past Events

Long Table Lunch

The 3rd Long Table Lunch was finally held on a balmy spring day on 12 October, following a postponement from the previous weekend due to poor weather. 

We were at full capacity with this gathering being hailed by many as their favourite event of the year. Sunshine and light winds brought people in their hats and sunglasses, rather than thermals and waterproofs, thank goodness. The menu was extensive with delicious curries and casseroles, salads and slices, cakes and other gourmet sweet treats. 

Linda Matthews started off proceedings by welcoming everyone to their home. Daniel Lloyd followed with a short speech thanking the hosts, the FBA committee and community members who gave up their time cooking and helping to set up. 

Everyone had a fantastic time, and we were still kicking on at 2.30pm. A group of us stayed back to help clean and pack up. Daniel  even had most of the borrowed chairs and tables back to their original homes by 4pm.

Thanks again, everyone!  

Cultural Yarning

On 20 September the Goode Beach community were honoured to participate in a Cultural Yarning session with Shandell Cummings and Dion Cummings.

The session was arranged in conjunction with Steve Hopper and in attendance were members of the Goode Beach community and UWA staff. The session commenced with a yarning circle at Whaler’s Cove where Shandell and Dion shared ancestral stories relating to the area and an insight into their connection to country, including flora and landmarks. Shandell and Dion shared the traditional names of landmarks and the area and the cultural and spiritual significance to these names. 

Shandell then led participants on a walk towards Point Possession to view a beautiful granite outcrop featuring whale petroglyphs, lizard traps and rock carvings. Further along the path Shandell showed us a well in a granite outcrop which had been created many years ago by the Merningar people for the purposes of collecting drinkable water. Shandell also spoke of how the water could be deoxygenated so that animals drinking the water became groggy thus easier to hunt. Whilst overlooking the harbour, sound and isthmus, Shandell recounted the ancestral story of how the landmarks were formed. 

We all then gathered at Whaler’s Cove for a shared lunch.

Those present gained an understanding of the enduring spiritual connection and respect to country of the Merningar people and it is hoped that we can host these sessions on an annual basis. 

Geological Origins of the Torndirrup Peninsula

Ian Herford successfully explained very complex geological theory and concepts in lay terms and the visual aspect of his talk was extremely well done. Plus, he was obviously enjoying himself in sharing his information with us. He expertly and kindly fielded lots of questions from the audience and happily ran over the allotted time.

Tamara and Russell at Whalers Galley cafe were equally fabulous. The food was ample and delicious and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

We ended up having 35 people at this event and we thank Ian Herford for giving so generously of his time and Tamara and Russell at Whalers Galley Cafe for supporting our local community.

Defibrillator Training

What a great job our resident paramedic, Bridget Eckersley did in helping us to feel more confident in using the equipment. Her presentation was delivered in a clear and reassuring manner and she was very generous with her time and in answering our many questions. 17 members attended the training with thanks to Metta and Geoff for hosting the event at their home.

A Goode Morning

We are very thankful to Prof Steve Hopper for sharing his expertise and knowledge on all things plants and Bindi Bean to you for serving amazing coffee, drinks and sweet treats. We were also treated to a visit by the GB Bag Lady who donated home made totes. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a warm and welcoming vibe.

A Goode Evening

11 April 2025

The FBA hosted an event at Whalers Galley Café featuring a presentation by Dr Harriet Patterson, Biological Oceanographer.

Harriet’s presentation covered three distinct areas of her work.

The first provided an overview of a study that she has been involved in, researching and mapping the variety of and dispersing of plastics throughout the world’s oceans. The research that Harriet presented was ‘hot off the press’ and we were honoured to be the first to view it.

Secondly, Harriet spoke of the work she is involved in mapping the lifeforms attaching to the undercarriage of the M4 Wave Energy Converter during the course of its six-month trial in the sound.

Finally, Harriet spoke of the Penguin Colony on Mistaken Island and the threat to the population by the proliferation of the invasive South African weed Chasmanthe floribunda which has spread to 90% of the island. This bulbous plant, which can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, is a significant hindrance to the penguins accessing their underground burrows as the weed overtakes their pathways, making them impenetrable. Harriet and her colleagues from UWA have been working with DBCA to spray and weed the paths as maintaining them is crucial to the penguin’s survival. Harriet asked the audience if the Goode Beach Community would be interested in assisting with their efforts and received a positive response so watch this space!

Thank you to Whalers Galley Café for the fabulous food and Dr Harriet Paterson for sharing her time, expertise and passion.

Long Table Lunch

On Sunday 24 November we hosted 40 people for a long table lunch amongst the gum trees. The weather was perfect and the setting provided a beautiful environment to share good food and connection with those in our community. This is the second Long Table Lunch we have hosted and now plan for it to be an annual event.

Ships Ahoy!

Ships Ahoy Event
A huge thanks to Bill Deacon for a wonderful and informative presentation on ships and shipping. The event was attended by over 30 people and kindly hosted with beautiful food by Whalers Galley Cafe.
We are really happy that the event was so well received as it is the first in a planned series.

Buzem Buddies

Local GP Erica Clarke initiated a recent event and a happy group of Goode Beach stitchers got together on a wet and windy weekend to create colourful support cushions for women living with breast cancer. Designed to provide much needed comfort and support after surgery, the cushions are not only of practical help, but equally importantly, are an expression of love and connection to the women to whom they are gifted.

Bushfire Ready Community Street Meet

Thanks to the hardy souls who braved the chilly afternoon for our 5^th Bushfire Ready Community Street Meet on Sunday.

Great turnout and strong support as always from DFES, CoA and the Southcoast Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Goode Arvo Summer Barbecue

Sunday 18 February 2024
This annual event was held a month later than in previous years. A date was chosen to suit all Committee members after the busy Christmas School Holiday period. The later date did not affect numbers and 50 people attended.
The BBQ was held at AHWS Discovery Bay in the BBQ area of the Botanical Garden. Each year this venue is provided free of charge to the FBA. Thanks was extended to the new Director General AHWS, Jen Bane, for allowing the FBA to use this well-equipped area with its beautiful vistas over King George Sound.
FBA members and guests, brought along salads and desserts to share. BBQ meat and veg kebabs were provided by the FBA. BYO drinks and glasses. Food was sheltered under the new pop-up gazebo purchased this year by the FBA. Cost for supplies $10 members and $15 guests.
The good attendance numbers and positive feedback once again confirmed that this annual event is a well anticipated event each year.

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St John Defibrillator Training Session

Wednesday 13 December 2023
In November the batteries and pads of three of the four AED units in Goode Beach were renewed. (Sue Roberts attended to the AED in St Georges Cres. FBA attended to two AEDs, one on the amenity block at the Goode Beach carpark and the other on the Fire Station in Austin Rd). Following this, a suggestion was made by a FBA Memberto hold another Defibrillator Training/Refresher course in Goode Beach.
The workshop was held at Chris and Steve Hopper’s home @ 23 La Perouse Court.
12 people attended. Donations to cover the Demonstrator’s fee raised $55.
Mandy Bracknell (St John Albany Defibrillator Demonstrator) guided the group through the steps to follow in an emergency situation when a person has suffered sudden cardiac arrest. She also drew attention to the fact that anyone with a smartphone can potentially save a life by downloading the St John First Responders App. The app also contains a number of other resources, including a directory of defibrillator locations, comprehensive first aid guides and a “call 000” feature that automatically sends your exact GPS coordinates to the St John Ambulance State Operations Centre when calling from within the state of Western Australia. The App was highly recommended by many in attendance.
At the workshop there was an expression of interest to offer a St John First Aid Training course for FBA members at Goode Beach. Mandy Bracknell said it was possible if we could provide a large open space for at least 10 people to work on mannequins.

Long Table Lunch

Sunday 8 October 2023
This was the first Long Table event since 2019 when a Sundowner at Whalers’ Galley Café was held. The decision to hold the LTL out-of-doors this time round was influenced by yet another surge in Covid infections in WA .
Linda Matthews and Robin Budden kindly offered to host the event at their home in the Karri forest at the end of La Perouse Rd. We jagged a lovely spring day with the sun shining through the trees and by the afternoon an unusually gentle south easterly breeze was blowing. It was an afternoon of good food and friendship enjoyed by 44 attendees. Well worth repeating.
The delicious food was once again provided by many generous FBA members. The menu included Curries, Casseroles and Desserts.

BEACH CLEAN-UP

On 5 June 2023, in recognition of World Environment Day, 18 volunteers braved the prospect of storms to come together for a beach clean-up. The weather gods looked kindly on us as we collected rubbish along the beach between Mistaken Island and Goode Beach. 38 kilograms of rubbish was collected over a 90-minute period after which we gathered to enjoy a scrumptious morning tea.

Thank you to all those who participated to maintain our beautiful environment.

Cultural Yarning Circle

Saturday 20 May 2023
This, the first event of the year, was also the first time in which the FBA had arranged a talk by local Aboriginal Elders. On a crisp sunny autumn day, thirty members and friends including two from the City of Albany attended a Merningar/Minang yarning circle on Austin Road and at Vancouver Spring (Wagylkaip/ Kep Margit).
Elder Lynette Knapp and her son Dion Cummings canvassed their family’s connection with Goode Beach, where the Knapps had camped since time immemorial, and in the Frenchman’s Bay/Albany area more generally. Lynette’s father Alf Knapp was born adjacent to the City buildings on North Road. The family enjoyed continuous oral history, with some members escaping being part of the stolen generations.
Lynette and Dion conveyed a deep sense of being part of their Country through ceremonies, song, art, dance and everyday living. Lynette was strongly attached to the Goode Beach wetlands, including Naaranyirap/Lake Vancouver and Wagylkaip. She noted that these waterbodies were connected underground by passages that the Wagyl/Rainbow Serpent travelled. Every family had two borongur/totems, an animal and a plant. The Knapp’s borongur were the yirdi yirdi bird/Western Gerygone and the cheaq/emu bush/Exocarpos sparteus.
Dion relayed some of the men’s stories that were OK to share in the public domain. In particular, he talked of the ancestral people known as the Kalamia who originally lived in the middle of King George Sound when it was a river valley during low sea levels. As sea level rose they were forced upslope, eventually settling on the western slope of Scholl’s Pate above Goode Beach settlement. The two nearby rocks resembling a man sitting up and a woman lying down symbolized the Kalamia, and the place where lands accessible to all transitioned eastwards to Country only for men. These rocks are known to the Knapps as Torgadirrup.
We all moved to the Frenchman’s Bay car park and Dion led a walk to Wagylkaip/Vancouver’s Spring. This was an eternal source of fresh water for the people, and one which an ancestral spirit Kalamia boy walked past to arrive at the termination of Frenchman’s Bay Road. There he ascended into the sky and became the light low cloud known as chinj (hence Kinjarling = Albany) which, when it touches the hills, signals that someone has passed away.
A number of questions from the audience followed and were answered congenially by Lynette and Dion. The President gave a vote of thanks and we concluded with coffee and cake.