Dancing In The Dirt by Jessica Bailey

Jerramungup is a small map dot in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Close to National Parks, Stunning Beaches and the Stirling Ranges, Jerramungup is primarily a farming district where Wheat, Barley, Canola and Sheep are the main produce that butter our crust.

The Fitzgerald Biosphere Group (FBG) is a community based Not for Profit organisation that works closely with the community to ensure the our local ecosystems, farmland and enterprises continue to thrive and remain vibrant. The “Dancing in the Dirt Gala Ball” was an idea born in 2018 by the FBG committee. Continuing drought conditions had made life for those living and working in the area difficult and the need for promoting the importance of social connection and creating a vibrant community were stronger than ever. Jerramungup and its surrounds depend largely on the Agricultural industry to support it - so difficult seasonal conditions has an effect on everybody and morale can be easily influenced.

The inaugural Ball was a resounding success and so a second Dancing in the Dirt event was held in 2021 - an even bigger success! over 300 people attended, a complete sell out. We had buses travelling from far and wide to deliver our guests to the event, and take them back home again safely, such a highlight of our event and something that is not available to those of us living in small communities. Comedians, a band from Perth and beer brewed from Barley grown in Jerramungup especially for the Ball were also features of our event. We are bringing Dancing in the Dirt back again in 2024. The importance of continuing to provide our community with the chance to enhance social connections, let off some steam after a long harvest, reconnect with members of the community, as well as bringing a vibrant boost to our community and those surrounding us is so important.

We aim to raise money for a fund call “Dirt to Dollars” where proceeds from the Ball will be made available to the local community for projects that will continue to ensure our town remains vibrant and resilient to the challenges facing our declining rural communities.

Socials: Instagram - dancing_in_the_dirt | Facebook - Dancing in the Dirt

👉  This story excerpt is from Issue #17 of Kickin Up Dust magazine: September 2023