Final float revealed celebrating South Australia’s heritage
The final float for the 2024 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has been revealed today at Torrens Weir / Pirltawardli and Tininyawardli.
Kumangka malturri – apinthi, pronounced “koo-mung-car mal-doo-ree a-pin-dee,” translates to “Coming Together” in Kaurna language, a sentiment that aligns with this year’s Pageant theme and honours the Kaurna culture.
The 92nd National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will take place this Saturday, 2 November and will feature Kumangka malturri – apinthi, the third Kaurna-inspired float since the first Pageant in 1933.
The float came to life due to the collective effort of Kaurna Elders Lewis O’Brien AO, Michael O’Brien and Veena Raymond alongside design and artwork by Paul Herzich, Kari Lindsay and Harley Hall. A soundtrack to accompany the float was recorded by Harley Hall, Isaac Hannam and Veena Raymond.
The float design is inspired by Kaurna Country landscapes, flora and fauna and the coming together of people around campfires to celebrate community. There are three fireplaces representing the past, the present and the future.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison spoke about the float’s deeper cultural and social relevance.
“The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has always been about bringing people together, but this year with the introduction of Kumangka malturri – apinthi, we are reminded of the importance of coming together in a way that acknowledges and honours the First Nations people of South Australia. This float is a celebration of unity, but also of respect for the land, the people, and the stories that are part of our collective history.”
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Director, Brian Gilbertson expressed the importance of including a float that celebrates South Australia’s First Nations heritage.
“The unveiling of Kumangka malturri – apinthi is an incredibly special moment for this year’s Pageant and all South Australians. This float is a profound representation of our theme, Come Together, and for the Pageant team it has once again been a wonderful journey working alongside our Kaurna community leaders and artists to bring that collaborative journey to life. The Pageant is a celebration for everyone, from all walks of life, and I hope this float will stand as a reminder to us all the enduring connections we can share with Kaurna culture, all people and the land on which we celebrate.”
Chief Executive Officer of National Pharmacies, Vito Borrello said the Kumangka malturri – apinthi float represents the collective significance of coming together as a community.
“First Nations People have recognised community connection as a contributor of collective health and wellbeing for thousands of years and Kumangka malturri – apinthi is a beautiful representation of the shared cultural joy of coming together.”
