Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka (Forever, we sing)

Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka, (Forever, we sing), is a celebration of rare Noongar language, and the things we share as community. Over many years, Noongar language has been reduced to a whisper, there are currently less than 400 fluent speakers.

The collection of songs in this book represent the first two albums Gina and Guy have released — Kalyakoorl (Forever) and Bindi Bindi (The Butterfly). And just like their music, this anthology is informed by the four principles of Koort (Heart), Moort (Family and Community), Boodja (Land) and Koorlangka (Children and Legacy).

It is their hope that, through this collection of reduced scores and song sheets, Gina and Guy's music will continue to be seen in new and interesting ways, and shared through schools, choirs and community groups.

About the Authors

Gina Williams AM is a proud Balladong (Noongar, South West) woman, with links through her grandmother’s line to the Gitja people of the East Kimberley. She is an award-winning singer-songwriter and journalist, who has spent the past three decades committed to sharing stories and writing songs for her community, and with collaborator and best friend, Guy Ghouse. Gina’s accolades include: 2018 Inductee, West Australian Women’s Hall of Fame; Winner, Aboriginal Category, 2017 West Australian of the Year; and Winner, Indigenous Act of the Year, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2018 West Australian Music Industry (WAMi) Awards. Gina is an Ambassador for the Australian Performing Rights Association, a member of the British Council’s ACCELARATE Arts and Cultural Leadership Alumni and is a Patron of Fairbridge Folk Festival.