The Gulumoerrgin seasonal calendar records Larrakia knowledge of seasonal change around Darwin, Cox Peninsula and Gunn Point. Developed with CSIRO and Larrakia knowledge holders, it describes seven seasons through changes in weather, plants, animals, food and activities on Country. For visitors to Darwin, it offers seasonal context, not a day-by-day weather forecast.
Who shared Larrakia seasonal knowledge
The calendar was produced through collaboration between Gulumoerrgin (Larrakia) knowledge holders and CSIRO. The poster credits Lorraine Williams, Judith Williams, Maureen Ogden, Keith Risk and Anne Risk as knowledge contributors, and credits CSIRO researchers Emma Woodward and Maeli Cooper for the science co-design in 2012. It says the language and ecological knowledge were adapted from information sourced from Larrakia and Limilngan elders between 1989 and 1994.
Permission to reuse the Larrakia calendar
Reproducing or adapting the publicly accessible calendar is subject to conditions. The poster identifies the Larrakia knowledge contributors and CSIRO as rights holders. Its notice says the contributors assert ownership, authority and control over the knowledge, and identifies educational outreach as the sharing purpose.
CSIRO’s terms also set conditions for use. Uses beyond educational outreach require permission from the knowledge holders or custodians and CSIRO, with at least four weeks allowed for permission and informed-consent processes. Anyone planning to reproduce or adapt the calendar, its artwork or its knowledge should follow those terms and seek the required permissions.
A calendar, not a forecast
The calendar documents a Larrakia way of recognising and relating to seasonal change through Country. Its observations include weather, but its purpose is broader than predicting conditions: it connects environmental signs with plants, animals, food and human activity.
It does not provide a current outlook for rain, temperature or storms, or live advice about roads and travel safety. Visitors making weather or safety decisions in Darwin should use current Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and relevant official warnings. The seasonal calendar offers cultural and ecological context, not operational travel information.