Bunuru

Bunuru is the second season in the Noongar six-season calendar, traditionally observed by the Indigenous Noongar people of the southwest of Western Australia. It typically falls between June and July, following the season of Djeran and preceding Birak. This period is characterized by cooler temperatures and the onset of more significant rainfall, signifying the transition into the wetter months of the year.

During Bunuru, the landscape begins to change. The vegetation, which may have been dry from the preceding summer months, starts to respond to the increasing moisture. Rivers and waterholes that may have been low begin to replenish. This is a crucial time for the environment, as it prepares for the full force of the winter rains.

Traditionally, Bunuru was a time of shifting focus for the Noongar people. While some hunting and gathering continued, emphasis began to move towards activities that were suited to the cooler, wetter conditions. Shelter and community were important during this season. The change in weather patterns also influenced migratory patterns of some animals and the availability of certain food sources, which the Noongar people would have expertly understood and utilized. The season is a vital part of the cyclical understanding of the natural world held within Noongar culture.