No images? Click here
Kaya! Hello!
Birak, December 2025
Beat the Heat in Birak
The warm summer season of Birak is here! Known as the 'Season of the Young' during this time of year we see dry, hot day with the afternoons being cooled by the sea breeze. Read on below to learn more about Birak.
ReWild Perth would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday's, and a Happy New Year!
We'll be back in 2026 with more tips and events to help you ReWild your garden, and Bring Nature Home!
WELCOME TO BIRAK
The Season of the Young, Fire, and Action
The Noongar calendar reminds us that appreciating, acting, and advocating for nature begins with tuning into Country.
For those of us living on Noongar Boodja (Country) in the South West of Western Australia, the heat of December and January marks the arrival of Birak, the Noongar “first summer” season – a time of intense sun, dry easterly winds, and the vital presence of Karla (fire).
Birak is a powerful reminder that the natural world moves in rhythms that have guided sustainable living on this ancient land for over 65,000 years.
NATURE ACTION PLAN
7 Ways to Be a Wildlife Hero in Perth During Birak
The number one priority in the heat of Birak is providing water, food, and safe shelter. Here are 7 Ways to Be a Wildlife Hero in Perth During Birak.
The Noongar season of Birak brings our hottest, driest weather. For Perth’s unique native flora and fauna – especially the “young” birdlife and wildlife of the season – this intense heat can be a major challenge. But the season presents an opportunity for us to be a wildlife hero!
Our city gardens, verges, and balconies become vital refuges, creating a ‘green bridge’ that connects fragmented bushland. This Birak season (December – January), Perth NRM encourages you to put appreciation into action and transform your space into a life-saving sanctuary for local wildlife.
PEOPLE OF REWILD
Meet Tania and her bird friendly bush garden in Brigadoon.
After seeing the destruction of wildlife habitat in her suburb, Tania decided to try and put back some of what had been taken. Now her garden is a sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife, including critically endangered Black Cockatoo's.
Tania's advice for others on their ReWild journey? “Know what you want to achieve. Plant at different heights, tall, medium & low growing plants, attract more wildlife!”
FLORA FEATURE
Nuytsia floribunda (CC BY 4.0) James McCarthy
WA CHRISTMAS TREE
Scientific name: Nuytsia floribunda
Noongar name: Moodjar
The WA Christmas Tree is a striking flowering plant native to south-western Australia. Recognised by its tall form and vibrant orange to red flower spikes, it grows in woodlands and forested areas, often emerging above surrounding vegetation.
Flowering in summer, the WA Christmas Tree relies on water drawn from neighbouring plants through its roots to support its showy blooms. Increasingly threatened by land clearing, disease, and climate change, it is an iconic species of Western Australia’s natural landscapes.
CREATURE FEATURE
Macrotis lagotis (CC BY-SA 4.0) Bernard Dupont
GREATER BILBY
Scientific name: Chelodina oblonga
Noongar name: Choonya (Booyi)
The Greater Bilby is an iconic marsupial native to Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions. Recognised by its long ears, soft grey fur, and distinctive black-and-white tail, it lives in sandy deserts and shrublands where it digs extensive burrows.
A nocturnal omnivore, the Greater Bilby feeds on insects, seeds, and bulbs. Once widespread, it has declined due to habitat loss and introduced predators, and is now a key symbol of conservation efforts across Australia.
UPCOMING EVENTS
COASTAL DUNES AND CRITTERS ART WORKSHOP
Join us these school holidays for a Coastal Dunes and Critters Art Workshop with artist and biodiversity educator, Angela Rossen!
Date: Wednesday 14 January
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Quinns Mindarie Community Centre
STORIES OF THE DUNES & FISH PRINTING - SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENT AT FLOREAT BEACH
Join Perth NRM, Cambridge Coastcare and Blue Crew this school holidays for a Stories of the Dunes & Fish Printing activity! Suitable for ages over 10 years old.
Date: Thursday 15 January
Time: 8:45am - 10:30am
Location: Floreat Beach (Meet on the grassed area near the shelters)
DONATE TO REWILD PERTH
A donation to ReWild Perth makes for a perfect Holiday or Secret Santa gift!
All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Keep an eye on our Events & News page for upcoming events!
Keep in touch on Facebook and Instagram! If you have any feedback or requests for newsletter topics, please email us with your ideas – we love to hear from you!
*‘Kaartdijin Noongar – Noongar Knowledge’ from the South West Aboriginal Land & Sea Council, and Kurongkurl Katitjin - ECU.
ReWild Perth is powered by Perth NRM with funding from Lotterywest.
