The Thornlie-Cockburn Link has called on good spirits to safeguard the wellbeing, health and safety of all its workers through a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony.
Conducted at the Ranford Road Station site by Noongar Elder Brett Collard, the ceremony attracted a strong attendance with participants filing through the smoke of smouldering eucalypt leaves.
NEWest Alliance Aboriginal Engagement Manager John Mallard said the smoking ceremony was an ancient Aboriginal tradition and he was pleased that so many people participated.
“The smoking ceremony aims to rid the worksite of bad spirits and to bring in good spirits, so it’s important that as many project people as possible take part. The smoke has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits from the people and the land and make a pathway for a brighter future,” he said.
“The Thornlie-Cockburn Link is an exciting project and there is a lot of scope for Aboriginal companies and people to be involved. There are a range of skills and talents that the project needs and we are engaging with many Aboriginal businesses and people who want to be a part of it.”