Makuru Festival: 3 June-8 July19MAY2025
A dynamic new festival is set to launch in Cockburn this winter, bringing the best of WA arts to Hamilton Hill’s historic heart.
The Makuru Festival, named after the Nyungar season of rain and fertility, will run from 3 June to 8 July in the welcoming warmth of iconic Memorial Hall, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
The inaugural month-long Makuru Festival will offer an exciting line-up of live music, theatre, film, visual arts and even an ambient yoga immersion.
City of Cockburn Creative Programs Lead Ella Hetherington said the Makuru Festival was another opportunity for the Cockburn community to enjoy an inspiring range of high-quality arts experiences in their own backyard.
“We are thrilled to meet the local desire for creative expression by providing high-quality welcoming experiences that are low-cost or free, and that feature the amazing talent of local and WA performers without the need to travel far.”
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said Memorial Hall had long been associated with the arts and the inaugural Makuru Festival, being launched in the hall’s 100th year, was a fitting tribute to its standing in the community.
“The Makuru Festival is a wonderful opportunity to make memories and connections with others in our diverse, inclusive community,” Mayor Howlett said.
“I encourage everyone to brave the colder winter weather to warm the cockles of their hearts as they enjoy a range of local talent at our beloved Mem Hall.
“The festival will also mark the announcement of the City’s inaugural Arts Hall of Fame inductees at a special ceremony to celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions of Cockburn’s talented and hard-working arts community.”
What to expect 3 June-8 July:
Live music –
- Friday 13 June 6-10pm - Friday Night Music - Voice of Country is a special night of First Nations country and roots music curated by local musician Helen Townsend. Featuring powerhouse performances by songer/songwriter Lilly Gogos, JoKeria (Roebourne) and Bradley Hall (Pilbara). This event brings powerful stories of land, life and spirit to the stage through heartfelt songs and rich harmonies. Join us at 6pm for a welcome and smoking ceremony on the lawn.
- Sunday 22 June 2-5pm - Sunday Arvo music will feature Bloodline Beats, performances by three iconic local family bands the Fishers, Rogers and Dave Brewer and the Brewer Boys. Expect soulful harmonies, high-energy beats and much-loved favourites at this one-off special sure to sell-out.
Perth-based theatre company performances –
- Wednesday 18 June 6.30pm - theatre-maker, composer and musician Max Barton’s Wednesdays at the End of the World is a bold experimental mix of live music and theatre as WA artists explore thought-provoking and surprisingly hopeful end-of-the-world scenarios. Each artist will create a unique offering for this one-night-only event. Cockburn is proud to host the next instalment of this monthly theatrical offering.
- Saturday 28 June 7pm - The Last Great Hunt will present Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer, a multi-award-winning one-man micro-epic puppet show that melds technology and multimedia in a touching story of enduring love and the end of the world.
- Sunday 6 July 5pm - Big hART will present Tjaabi - Flood Country. Created in the Pilbara over a decade this critically-acclaimed performance by Ngarluma man Patrick Churnside celebrates his life and connection to the Pilbara through breath-taking music, personal narrative and humour that cuts to the bone.
Get creative –
- Sunday 15 June 1-4pm – Flowerpot Music is a chance to be a musician for an afternoon. Join this free immersive workshop to learn a composition by New York-based Eliot Cole, lead by acclaimed percussionist and Hami Hill resident Thea Rossen. Bring along glazed flowerpots or kitchen bowls from home, mallets will be provided.
Free documentary screenings at Memorial Hall –
- Tuesday 3 June 5.45pm - Genocide in the Wildflower State (PG). Directed/written/edited by Frank Rijavec. It uncovers WA’s racial absorption and assimilation policies during the 20th century, highlighting the lasting impact of the forced removal of thousands of Aboriginal children. A Q&A session with the cast will follow the screening.
- Tuesday 8 July 5.30pm - Like My Brother (PG). Directed by Danielle Maclean and Sal Balharrie. It follows Rina, Freda, Julianna and Jess as they leave their Tiwi Island home to chase their AFL dreams in Melbourne.
To book tickets and for more information visit the Makuru Festival page on the City’s
website.