DURING discussions last year, representatives of the Martu said they would like to welcome the the Port Hedland-to-Telfer pipeline and its workers with a Corroboree when the line reached Martu land. It was a generous gesture, but its accomplishment proved easier said than done! Dealing with the might of Nature and the weather it sends us in this part of the world is not always easy. Following huge rainfalls, which computer estimates indicate won’t be repeated for another 500 years, the dance - and everything else for that matter - had to be postponed many times . The rains destroyed roads and outback tracks, created lakes where previously none existed, and made life on and near the pipeline more than a little difficult. Adding to the saga was the uncertainty of construction scheduling due to the weather, and the damage it had inflicted on the terrain, workers’ leave breaks, and the logistics, timing and travelling involved in bringing the Martu and their guests together at an agreed point and at an agreed time, and this had all the hallmarks of an event that would never happen! Well, it did.

Perhaps it wasn’t the best auditorium for such a Special Event, but it did offer lots of fresh air, and parking wasn’t a problem.

Meetings were held between the Martu representatives, the Ngaanyatjarra Council, Newcrest, McConnell Dowell, Gasnet and ESS. The date and times were agreed, the location selected, numbers estimated, catering planned, transport, camping and other arrangements finalised. The Corroboree would be held on the evening of Monday September 13, adjacent to Pipeline Camp 3, some 100 kilometres from Telfer and about 400km from Port Hedland in an area best described as a red dirt patch surrounded by spinifex in an almost tree-less, featureless plain. Perhaps it wasn’t the best auditorium for such a Special Event, but it did offer lots of fresh air, and parking wasn’t a problem. Many of the Martu, who now live in an area extending from Fitzroy Crossing in the north to Wiluna in the south, and from Port Hedland in the west to Kunawaritji in the east, had a long way to travel, some more than 1000km. However, on cue in the afternoon of the 13th, a trail 47 vehicles long amassed at the pipeline right-of-way, ready to be escorted the final 35 kilometres to Camp 3. Gasnet and McConnell Dowell had prepared well for their contributions and all was in readiness, with everything done to ensure absolute safety. Escorted by Martu employees on the pipeline, the Martu visitors set up camp in a large semi-circle on the cleared area. With only a few  ours to go before curtain call, the men went about their business preparing the area for the Corroboree. Branches were collected and used to outline the stage and shaped into walls to shield dancers from the audience between performances.  thers collected wood for the firelight display. Meanwhile, ESS directed by Ramona, set about feeding the almost 300 Martu and guests with a sumptuous outdoor (about as ‘outdoor’ as you can get!) feed which included delicacies such as kangaroo and emu.

With everyone well-fed, the visitors and pipeline workers in their seats, and the light fading, the Martu took to the stage. Out came the red, yellow and white ochre, oil, emu feathers and leaves to decorate the dancers. While that was going on, the singers settled in to face the dancers in an arch, boomerangs at the ready to beat out the accompanying rhythm to the songs sung in Nyangumarta, Mandjildjara, Wanman or other languages as spoken by the Martu. The audience formed in a semi-circle facing the bush stage area. Fires were strategically placed mid-way between them and the singers and the dancers to provide firelight and the unique atmosphere that constitutes an evening Corroboree. As the singers, led by the well-known Bruce Thomas, warmed up there was a welcome to all in attendance by traditional owner Lucy Mitchell, followed in response by Christine O’Reilly of Gasnet, Leon Richards of McConnell Dowell, and Leon van Erp of Newcrest. There was still much to be done in such a short time. Unfortunately, the Martu now meet very rarely for occasions such as this. Times have changed and distances between people are vast. Getting together is extremely difficult. Recreational dances such as this for the enjoyment of all, including visitors, are rare and present their own peculiar problems. There are issues of whose country it is, what groups should be involved, what stories can be sung, which dances can be performed, who will direct the dance and who will dance them. Such details were being tackled. Behind the bush curtains, there was much activity as senior men completed choreographic detail, while dancers were decorated. At last, in the flickering firelight the dancers emerged, brightly painted, decorated, and with their oiled bodies glistening. the chants were sung and clearly heard, thanks to the modern assistance of a PA system. Many times the performers emerged to dance the steps in accordance with the unique songs that seemed ancient and mysterious. The dances were unusual to many, so Bob Tonkinson, retired Professor of Anthropology at the University of WA who has worked with the Martu for more than 40 years, assisted the audience by explaining the meaning of the songs and the dances. Ten dances were performed, with more and more participants taking part in each dance as the relaxed atmosphere encouraged them more and more. The children stole the show. They looked wonderful, all decorated and so cute in their performances, concentrating on their steps and smiling constantly. They really enjoyed themselves. With the time getting on and workers having to retire for work the next day, the celebrations came to an end about 10.30pm . The Martu thanked everyone for coming, wished the pipeline and its workers well, and thanked all for this opportunity to come together. They will not wait long before the next dance. September the 13th provided the evidence that development and culture can go hand-in-hand. It was a credit to the Martu to suggest the dance, and to come from so far away to welcome us. It was a memorable occasion, so new and enlightening to many, and one we hope will be repeated soon. Our thanks are extended, particularly to the Martu for their welcome, and to McConnell Dowell, Gasnet, ESS and the Ngaanyatjarra Council for their cooperation in organising a very special event.