Wiluna Weekend - Lasting memories

The 14th annual Wiluna Cultural weekend exceeded expectations yet again - it just keeps getting better! With the 2022 instalment, the Wiluna Martu eagles played host to Dalkeith Nedlands to what was an action packed long weekend for all.

We all started bright and early on Friday morning ready for the bus. With our club and Essendon Legend - Ben Doolan (aka Dools) at the wheel we were off on our way to Mount Magnet.

After a few stops for essentials such as coffee for the parents and a bakery breakfast in Bindoon we were off on the adventure. 

On arrival at Mount Magnet, it was a quick stop at the Caravan Park to set up our tents (some quickly others, well.....) and then head to the ground for Friday night footy against the Mount Magnet team. 

It was close for most of the game with a kick in it at 3 quarter time, but the Mount Magnet team had the legs and pressed home with a flurry of goals in the final term. Was it the bus ride, was it the bus snacks, some even suggested it was an assistant coach heading for a early dinner but the winner here was footy and a fine evening had by all.

Next morning, a quick pack of the tents and we were off on our way to Wiluna. There were a couple of extended stops on the way which allowed the kids to explore the outback and stretch their legs on the way.

Once we arrived in Wiluna, it was off to the Rec centre to jump in to get to know you activities. This is a tradition that happens each year which Darren reflected has had some interesting answers over the years from the kids. Kids and adults alike were then presented with their Wiluna Hoodies which added to the togetherness of the weekend.

Then it was time for dinner and the parents to head to the Gallery for wine and cheese and meet the artist, whilst the kids enjoyed a disco dance and fun with their Wiluna friends.

After some fun it was time to head to the Rosslyn Hill camp for the night.

We awoke on Sunday, ready and pumped for the big game.

First, however, it was time to head to North Pool to get back to nature and immerse in some true cultural experiences. The Wiluna and Dalkeith Nedlands kids enjoyed playing around the pool, a few braved the cold and went for a dip and then dried off around the fire.

The Dalkeith Nedlands kids were shown how to go fishing for yabbies, a long neck turtle or "barry" as he was affectionately named was rescued and returned to the water and it was then time to cook the roo tail in the fire.

On return to the rec centre we were further treated to try honey ants which are true bush lollies - yum!

Now its time for the big event - the Wiluna v Dalkeith Nedlands game.

Expectations were high and smiles at an all time high and we were ready to go.

Dalkeith Nedlands was off to a flyer with a lead of a few goals at qtr time. Then a few personnel changes later, it was back to square at the half and a slight lead to Wiluna at the final change. From here Wiluna went up a gear and powered away to win by a few goals in the end but overall was another amazing installment in its 14th year. 

We are had the traditional longest kick and fastest sprinter which were a clean sweep for the Wiluna team.

It was then time to celebrate the best on ground and the spirit of martu and Preston Bridge memorial wards for those who showed the true spirit across the weekend. 

From there is was dinner, a trip back to the camp, sleep and a bus ride back to Perth on the Monday to cap an amazing weekend.

Many thanks goes to Jeremy, Scott, Dools, Darren, Lisa and the many sponsors who made this trip possible for all.