Episode 13: Blazing Swan The Early Years (Cat, Frank, & Hana)
This episode explores the early years and founding of Blazing Swan, a regional Burning Man-inspired event in Western Australia, through the stories of three of the original founders in Cat, Frank, and Hana. The conversation traces their personal journeys into burn culture, the challenges of organizing the first events, and the formation of a vibrant, inclusive community. They recount the process of finding a suitable site, overcoming logistical and weather-related obstacles, and building strong relationships with local residents and First Nations people. The founders highlight the importance of communal effort, creativity, and the evolution of event principles, such as the addition of consent. The episode also reflects on memorable moments, the growth of the event, and the lasting impact of Blazing Swan on both participants and the wider community.
Host: Stevan ‘Silent Disco’ Lay
Guest: Cat ‘Teacup’ Connor, Frank ‘Knuckles’ Mitchell, & Hana ‘Fire Queen’ Priest
Produced by PY Wong & Stevan Lay
Blazing Swan effigy | 24-28 April, 2014 | Kulin, Western Australia
Photo credit: Stevan Lay
USEFUL Links:
Blazing Swan: https://blazingswan.com.au/
Afrikaburn: https://www.afrikaburn.org/
Pox-Eclipse: https://www.pox-eclipse.com/
Blossom Festival: https://blossomfestival.com.au/
SpunOut: https://spunoutfestival.com.au/
The WildCampOut: https://thewildcampout.com.au/
Noongar-Kaartdijin: https://www.noongarculture.org.au/noongar/
Shire of Kulin: https://www.kulin.wa.gov.au/
Kulin Bush Races: https://kulinbushraces.com.au/
Hana Priest on ‘Arts on Fire’ podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyD5f9I_1Dw
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:00:38] Knuckles origin story
[00:06:17] Hana origin story
[00:12:22] Teacup origin story
[00:17:03] Early gatherings
[00:18:23] Ignition
[00:20:26] Inauguration photo
[00:23:59] Naming the burn
[00:26:05] Site searching
[00:31:28] Kulin town
[00:37:16] Date
[00:40:36] Rain
[00:51:08] Second year
[01:07:42] Kulin quiz
[01:23:18] First nations engagement
[01:39:14] Consent
[01:40:34] Effigies and temples
[01:59:17] Pandemic years
[02:04:22] Blazing adjacent events
[02:12:03] Blazing moments
[02:19:18] Shoutouts
[02:27:14] Closing
The information presented in the following audio program is for informational, educational, entertainment, and archival purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on the Bonzaar Podcast are solely those of the hosts and the guests and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the entire burner community. Bonzaar Podcast is an independently-produced, volunteer-led, and community-funded project and is not associated or affiliated with the burning man organisation or it's world-wide subsidiaries.
This episode was recorded on 14 July, 2025
