Yongka Kangaroo Track Shakers by SImone Hills

Yongka is the Noongar word for Kangaroo, and these beautifully handcrafted Yongka Shakers are inspired by the movement, sounds, and stories of kangaroos travelling across Country.

Created by emerging Noongar artist Simone Hills, the artwork on each shaker represents the bidi “track” left behind as a Yongka lands on the boodja “ground,” flicking dirt as it bardang “jumps.” Painted in earthy tones inspired by kangaroos and the Australian landscape, every shaker is uniquely hand painted and full of character and cultural storytelling.

As the shaker moves, its gentle sound is designed to evoke the feeling of Yongka jumping through dry grass — inspired by Simone’s childhood memories growing up on a farm in Rocky Gully alongside a joey named Skip.

These shakers are a beautiful way to introduce music, movement, rhythm, and storytelling into play while embedding Aboriginal culture in meaningful and engaging ways. Perfect for music corners, group experiences, sensory play, and imaginative storytelling.

Ideas for play from Simone Hills:
• Listen to the shaker sounds and imagine Yongka jumping through the grass
• Explore fast and slow rhythms through movement and music
• Practice turn-taking and listening games
• Encourage storytelling, sound exploration, and imaginative play

Simone Hills – Karda Artwork is an Artist Member of the Indigenous Art Code, supporting fair and ethical trade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and promoting transparency in the sale and sharing of artwork.

Made from wood.

Measures approx. 15cm high.

Recommended for ages 3yrs+.

Please note: Due to the handmade and hand-painted nature of this product, colours, markings, and artwork details may vary slightly, making each shaker beautifully unique.