Peer Based Harm Reduction WA

As the cold winds begin to bite and the rains settle over the landscape, we enter Makuru—the first of the two cold seasons in the Noongar calendar. Makuru is associated with the colour blue or black, and is a time of transformation. You may see flowering Mangar or Blueberry Lily (Dianella revoluta) and Komma or Purple Flag (Patersonia occidentalis) – both these small plants produce striking blue and purple petals with bright yellow stamens.

Makuru is known as the season of fertility, as at this time of year many animal species begin pairing up. Wardong (ravens) in particular become much more active and vocal as they begin preparing for the breeding season. They become more territorial as they gather nesting materials and scavenge for food. There is also a notable influx of flocks of mali (black swans) on lakes and rivers as they congregate to breed.

Traditionally, as the cold and wet weather began, people would move inland away from the coast. As waterways and catchments started to fill, people could move about their country with ease and the main food sources changed from sea, estuarine, and lake foods to those of the forests, including grazing animals such as the yongar (kangaroo) and several species of wild carrot and wild potato.

Fire was - and is - important during Makuru, but its use shifted. While the warmer months saw largescale landscape burning, Makuru was the time for “cold fires” which were kept constantly burning for warmth and cooking. Carrying the kaal (fire) was essential when moving between camps to ensure the hearth could be quickly relit in the damp weather

Makuru is a time to slow down, seek shelter, and settle in for the winter. It is also a time of replenishment, as country and people prepare for the “second cold” of Djilba that will arrive with August.

Reconciliation is more than a bridge between cultures; it is also about working to repair connections within them. Sometimes, the trauma of the past can translate into lateral violence - when the anger and frustration caused by systemic injustice is turned inward towards family or friends.

This National Reconciliation Week, Deadly Peer Mob Project Worker, Len, wants to send a direct message to mob about what it truly means to be “All In.”

For Len, being “all in” isn’t just about a national movement - it’s about how we treat one another and how we heal the divisions that hold us back.

Len’s message to mob:

“Black fullahs need to reconcile with each other before we can reconcile with everyone else.

There is a history of family fighting and arguing amongst our families and our mobs. That mentality leaves black fullahs walking around in a volatile state and that makes us easy targets for the police. We need to swallow our pride and shake hands with each other to make our community strong enough to be part of a solution.”

Len is calling on everyone to recognise that addressing lateral violence and finding peace within our own circles is an important step toward change. When we move past the volatility and work to support each other, we are leading the way and not just surviving.

This week, we stand with Len and the rest of the community, committing to a reconciliation that starts at home by choosing lateral kindness.