Image: Gianna Lawrence and Carleen Ryder, Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre

Gearing up for a phenomenon like no other!

As excitement builds for the 2023 Solar Eclipse, we would like you to meet the people across the region working hard to get ready to host an experience like no other.

While preparations continue to deliver a safe and enjoyable event for the tens of thousands of visitors expected to attend, please remember to be patient and courteous to your fellow attendees, hosts, service providers and emergency personnel.

Image: Bamboo Cafe Owner Andre Popis and Executive Project Manager Dan Holbrook

Andre Popis Business Owner, Exmouth

Family-owned business Bamboo Café was successful in its application for the Local Capability fund, which granted more than $837,000 to 40 Gascoyne and Pilbara businesses to build capacity ahead of the event.

“The Solar Eclipse has put Exmouth on the world map and will be the catalyst for extraordinary growth in tourism for the world-famous Ningaloo Reef,” owner Andre says.

“The WA government funding inspired us to fully upgrade the store inside and out, to not only cater for the event but also future visitors.”

“I used our funds to design a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and free flowing space to make the café operate more efficiently.  This way we can serve the crowds food and coffee at a fast pace!”

“We have also fitted it out with high quality equipment, with future work planned to further enhance service.”

To get ready for the April 20 event, the café has also introduced new line of food products and merchandise featuring a logo, designed by a local artist.

Bamboo Café's menu will also undergo a makeover for the new season with the addition of dinner service.

Image: David Nunn and Paul Baron, Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation

David Nunn and Paul Baron, Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, Carnarvon

While Jamba Nyinayi means ‘sit for a while’, David Nunn and Paul Baron are doing the opposite as they prepare for the festival at Cardabia Station.

Funded through Tourism WA’s Dark Sky Festival Program, Lotterywest and the Regional Events Development (RED) scheme, the Jamba Nyinayi event celebrates and shares the culture of the Baiyungu people.

It will also leave a lasting legacy providing education, employment and training opportunities for the local community.

You will find more details about this unique event here: ningalooeclipse.com or https://jnfestival.com.au

Image: Steve and Louise Riley, Exmouth Tackle and Camping Supplies

Steve and Louise Riley, Business Owners, Exmouth

Local business owners Steve and Louise Riley have been gearing up for the 2023 Solar Eclipse,which they believe is the biggest thing to happen to their town for decades.

With funding from the WA Government's Local Capability Fund, they are working with the Shire of Exmouth to prepare the Welch St Campsite to accommodate visitors.

“We will be talking about Exmouth being in the path of totality for this remarkable occurrence for years to come. So many people are coming together to be ready for it!”

“I have a lot of mates with different skills, including ambos, paramedics and bus drivers joining in to assist.”

“We also have 30 plus volunteers who are all our family and friends travelling up and pitching in to help us build these camp sites and set up the camp kitchen.”

Bookings for Welch St are available now.

Photo: Natalie Manks – Coral Bay

Natalie Manks, Coral Bay Progress Association

Coral Bay is a unique location where the World-Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef fringes the water’s edge.

Natalie Manks at the Coral Bay Progress Association has been working for the last two years with key stakeholders to prepare the idyllic location for the event.

“The 2023 Solar Eclipse is the opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime event, whilst highlighting the importance of a healthy Ningaloo Reef and that sustainable tourism can be achieved.”

Our next edition will feature more locals! Keep an eye out and make sure to say hi to them when you visit.