Josh Whiteland

“Koomal” is the traditional name of Wadandi man Josh Whiteland. Koomal is the local word for brushtail possum and the totem chosen for him by his Elders. Josh was born in Busselton, WA and grew up surrounded by family, culture and connection to country.

Passionate and spiritually aware, Josh has a personal commitment to continuing cultural practices and delivering cultural awareness both within the local community, and to visitors to the region. It is for this reason he created ‘Koomal Dreaming’ so that he could communicate part of his connection with his land and his people with guests from around Australia and the world.

Josh is dedicated to caring for country and works with local organisations to ensure the protection and prosperity of the ‘Cape to Cape’ ‘Warren Blackwood’ region.

An accomplished artist, Josh has created superb custom-made works such as an Australia native bush food themed surf board for celebrity Chef Heston Blumenthal. In 2018 Kmart Busselton contracted Josh to consult on an Aboriginal artwork façade for the front on their new store. It is the first building in the City of Busselton to have an Acknowledgement to Country through Artwork. In 2020 the Diljit Mia Community Gathering Place and Nature playground was constructed in Dunsborough through consultation and guidance from Josh and includes a number of his artworks, interpretive signage and sculptures based on his designs and local stories. Over the years a number of his artworks have been included in signage projects and murals across the south west region including Greenbushes, Nannup, Manjimup, Bridgetown, Margaret River, Dunsborough & Busselton. With his own personal style an interpretation Josh uses art as an outlet to express his passion for native foods and his love for culture and country.