On Australia Day, Perth YCW organised Keny Koort (One Heart) – a Shared Story Aboriginal led Poetry Festival. The event was envisioned many years ago by host Daniel “Danno” Hansen, a local Nyoongar poet who wanted a space for individuals to speak openly in hopes to conduce healing by sharing stories and perspectives. Experiencing the comfort of spoken word first-hand, Danno brought together a diverse range of emerging and established poets to touch on the Australian identity and Australia Day. The first session consisted of poets from different backgrounds, exploring themes of growing up in Australia, the experience of moving to a new country and the silence of history. The second session centred on the stories of the Aboriginal community as they shared holding on to their rich culture and passing down traditions to younger generations, the beauty of the land and responding with resilience from the pains of history.

The whole event was made possible by a grant and YCW members with a vision and call to action.

If you missed out on seeing the event live, you can watch the livestream in full via this link