Whalesong Festival makes a splash for annual whale migration in Augusta

An event celebrating the annual migration of whales and the biodiversity of marine life took over Augusta across the WA Day long weekend.

Held across May 29-June 1, the Whalesong Festival delivered its biggest program yet, featuring a cocktail party, street parade, sand sculpture workshop, markets, live music, the blessing of the fleet and a host of family friendly activities.

The town embraced the ocean-inspired theme, with Augusta’s main street adorned with marine-inspired bunting crafted by local arts groups, while whale sculptures carved out by the local Men’s Shed and decorated by students and community groups were scattered throughout town.

Festival organiser Caroline Foley said the best thing about the festival was how many people got involved.

“We have had all sorts of different facets and things happening, it started with an opening ceremony at the Lions Park and a cocktail party for 80-plus people at the Centennial Hall,” she said.

“We were happy that the weather held off for the parade, we had a whale created by artist and designer Sarah Zel Chescoe, which is all made out of reticulation.

“We always bless the fleet when the whale boats go out and it’s to celebrate the biodiversity and the beautiful area that we live in.”

Adding another artistic feature to the festivities, local artist Joey Hayes unveiled a striking whale mural in Augusta’s town centre.

“I painted the mural in my backyard and finished it in about two weeks,” she said.

“The funniest thing is that nature became part of the artwork. If you look closely, there are bugs and beetles from the garden embedded in the painting.

“The local swimming group, the Flounders, helped me put it up and we’ve had primary school students and community members each contribute a little fish to the mural.”