2021 NORTHAM BILYA FESTIVAL

The Avon River Festival is getting a makeover and is now the Northam Bilya Festival!
Held every year on the eve of the iconic Avon Descent weekend, the Festival not only marks Northam as the race start line, but acknowledges and celebrates the significance of the Avon River on Nyoongar Ballardong country ~ 'bilya' [river] 'koort' [heart] 'boodja' [country]'.
Friday August 13th
The Avon Descent weekend will kick off on the Friday evening with a re-imagined river
festival. Freshly named to reflect the importance of the river in Aboriginal culture, the
NORTHAM BILYA FESTIVAL will bring a new perspective to the event.
The action will begin at midday when audiences can witness a steady stream of watercraft
pass through Bernard Park as entrants register for the race.
At 5pm the gardens at Bilya Koort Boodja will illuminate to mark the season of Makuru.
The ‘River’ themed community float parade will take place from 6pm featuring the WA
Police Pipe Band.
At 7pm there will be a Ballardong Cultural Ceremony and Avon Descent Race ‘Blessing of
the River’ followed by the launch of the ‘Northam Suspension Bridge Precinct Activation
Project’ and the turning on of the new bridge lights.
The Northam Suspension Bridge Precinct Activation Project is being delivered in partnership
with RAC, through its Reconnect WA initiative, which aims to create vibrant streets and
public spaces for Western Australians to interact and connect with each other.
Shire President Cr Chris Antonio said, ‘The illumination of the longest pedestrian suspension
bridge in Australia that spans the Avon River will be a magical way to begin a weekend that
is focussed on our Bilya.’
‘The Northam Bilya Festival is a unique way to highlight the importance of the River in cultural
terms as well as celebrate the start of one of Australia’s most exciting events.’
The Festival will include fun family entertainment, side show alley, marshmallow toasting and
performance and music from Phil WalleyStack, The Pipeline Band, Cyndy Moody & Phil
Bartlett, Deadly Sista Girlz, Moodijt Koolalingas Choir, Lilly Gogos and many more.
Saturday August 14th.
The excitement continues early the next morning with the 7am Start of the Avon Descent
race.

Bilya Koort Boodja will have the firepit lit to warm the early birds and there will be breakfast
and coffee… lots of coffee.
Saturday also marks Bilya Koort Boodja Centre’s 3rd Birthday.
There will be free cupcakes, free weaving workshop and a live community art work.
Artist Kirk Garlett will create a huge art piece at the BKB depicting the Bilya and the
community is invited to take part
This is a free event sponsored by the Shire of Northam and Lotterywest