Desert Stars

In October 2024, the Esperance community was treated to a moving and memorable weekend of live music, storytelling and cultural connections, thanks to the support of the Mt Burdett Foundation’s Esperance Community Advisory Committee (ECAC). The foundation proudly backed the Desert Stars Live Performance project, presented by Kyza Presents. The impactful initiative brought First Nations voices, stories and sounds to the forefront of the region where such opportunities are rare, but deeply valued. 

The three day event series ran from October 18 to 20, with each day offering unique opportunities for the community to engage with the visiting Desert Stars, a celebrated remote First Nations band from the Western Desert. 

• Friday 18 October - A school visit to Wongutha CAPS gave students a chance to connect with the Desert Stars in an intimate setting. 

• Saturday 19 October - A Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony hosted by Dabungool Cultural Experiences set the tone for a day of culture and connection at the iconic Whale Tail. 

• That evening, a free community screening of the documentary Gravel Road at Fenwick Cinemas showcased the band’s powerful journey and stories. 

• The weekend culminated in a free live performance at Lucky Bay Brewery, featuring the Desert Stars supported by Henry Dabb and Kyron Smithson. An unforgettable night that brought locals together in celebration and shared appreciation. 

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Reflecting on the event, organiser Kyron Smithson described the Desert Stars weekend as “one of the most successful projects I have been involved in during my 10 years working in the live music industry.” 

He added: “The look on Desert Stars frontman Jay Minnings’ face after the performance will stay with me forever. That moment, the joy, the pride, the energy of sharing music with an enthusiastic crowd, is what music is all about.”

The Desert Stars weekend highlighted the power of music and culture to connect communities, spark conversations, and amplify First Nations voices. The Mt Burdett Foundation is proud to have supported this inspiring initiative and commends Kyza Presents for its thoughtful delivery. 

The Mt Burdett Foundation is proud to support innovative, community-driven projects like this one. If you have an idea that could make a difference in your local community—whether it’s in the arts, youth development, healthcare, education or regional capacity building—we want to hear from you.

Visit mtburdettfoundation.org.au to explore current grant opportunities and learn how to apply.

*Photos by Rosie Henderson