Special start to season for wine and vine crews

The Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) warmly invites the community and visiting workers to a special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to celebrate the start of Vintage 2025 on Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater Country).

The event will be led by local custodians Dr Wayne Webb and Iszaac Webb, with a traditional smoking ceremony to cleanse and purify the spirit, body and soul while marking the beginning of something new.

It’s a meaningful way to honour the season and an exciting time for the Margaret River wine industry as seasonal workers arrive, and preparations for the harvest begin.

“Having the Undalup Association offering this beautiful cultural ceremony to welcome workers to our community and celebrate the start of vintage is truly special,” MRWA CEO Amanda Whiteland said. “It enriches our cultural knowledge and fosters meaningful connections, and we can’t thank them enough.”

The event, now in its third year of growth and celebration, will be introduced by Myles Pollard, an accomplished actor, writer, director, and producer with more than two decades of experience in Australian film and television.

The evening will feature live music by local musician Dan White, as well as traditional dance and song by visiting workers from Timor Leste, Fiji and Tonga.

The event is free of charge and will take place at Pioneer Park Amphitheatre, Cowaramup, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm, Thursday 30 January 2025. Attendees should bring a picnic chair or blanket.

International workers are encouraged to bring a flag or wear a traditional clothing from their home country to showcase the rich multicultural spirit of the vintage workforce in the Margaret River Wine Region.

This year’s event is organised by the Margaret River Wine Association and supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, TeamsWork (formerly SW Labour Solutions) and Undalup Association.

Jobseekers looking to join the Margaret River Wine Region workforce can visit www.margaretriver.wine/work