Conference of the Birds
Saturday 24th May
The Valley of Harmony & Unity
May 24th 2025
Boorun - Creator Spirit Photo: Kat Kershaw
A FREE night-time pilgrimage along the Boolarra - Mirboo North Rail Trail to 'The Meadows'
Conference of the Birds is a community-based event inspired by the artistic talents, resilience & community spirit of the people of the Latrobe Valley & South Gippsland.
The pilgrimage explores country, survival & belonging created in collaboration with First Nations peoples, artists & the broader community & celebrates the beautiful bird-life on lands we call home.
Saturday 24th May
3.45pm - 7pm
Centenary Park, Boolarra
'Conference of the Birds' travels along the Grandridge Rail Trail from Centenary Park, Boolarra to a beautiful open space called The Meadows.
The Journey begins with First Nations' ceremony, after which the audience set off on the rail trail to The Meadows for music, dance, story & a bonfire. On the way they pass art installations & performances.
Food trucks will sell warm food & drinks at The Meadows.
Walkers should rug up well, bring a torch & something to sit on.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Rail Trail is suitable for wheel chairs & mobility scooters
A shuttle Bus will be available for people with mobility
& access needs - registrations are essential.
Featuring:
Tenzin Choegyal, Penelope Swales, Grace Vanilau, James Henry, Booran Boys, Djetgun Girls, Ngargee Dancers, Monica Karo, International Womens Group Dancers, Trafalgar Bollywood Dancers, Grandridge 245 Choir, DJ Spike, Company D&M, Boolarra Primary School, Mirboo North Secondary College & many more talented artists & performers!
The Walk:
Expect the Unexpected!
The walk starts in Centenary Park at 3.45pm
Wear good walking shoes, rug up well, bring a torch & something to sit on.
Along the trail you will find installations, Performance Art, Visual Art, Sound, Dance
& more.
Choose your own pace:
You have 2 hours to walk the trail before the performance at the Meadows - so choose your own pace.
The trail is suitable for wheelchairs, prams & mobility scooters with only some small inclines.
At the Meadows:
-
CFA Sausage Sizzle,
-
BCDG Koffee Kart
-
Gippsland Hot Potatoes
-
Porta loos
-
all abilities gazebo
Find your spot near the sand circle & await the beginning of the
'Valley of Harmony & Unity'
The performance goes for approximately 45-60mins before the bonfire is lit.
After the bonfire has safely settled the audience can gather closer for warmth & dance to 'Electro Swing' By DJ Spike to keep warm.
On the way back to Boolarra, the pathway will be transformed, but BYO TORCH!
What to Bring:
1. A torch - or mobile phone with torch app. is essential
2. Dress WARMLY - May is very very chilly.
3. Blanket, mat or camp chairs to sit on.
4. A Water Bottle
5. Good walking shoes - the trail is a bush trail.
Mobility needs:
There will be special shuttle busses traveling from Railway Park to the Meadows for those who need assistance with mobility. Please register for a place on the shuttle - so we know how many people to expect. Shuttle Buses will also take you back to Railway Park after the event - departing around 7:45pm
Please Note: The Rail Trail is a bush trail & the Meadows is open grassland which is a little uneven under foot. While all care will be taken to prevent trips & spills - please watch your feet & beware of uneven surfaces.