A permanent cultural exhibition, Boorp Boorp Boondyil (Passing Knowledge to our Children), was officially launched at the Castlemaine Visitor Centre last Friday.
The exhibit, situated within the iconic Castlemaine Market Building, illustrates the importance of caring for country, bush tucker and the dreaming story; The Eagle the Crow and the Bat. It includes a Welcome to Country sound installation and artworks and craft from local First Nations people.
“It’s good to see our story and our culture represented,” said Yorda Yoda and Tuangurung man Alvin.
Visitors to Castlemaine can learn more about the Jaara culture and immerse themselves in a new interactive and cultural exhibition that provides visitors with historic and contemporary stories from the Jaara people, thanks to the hard work of Senior Jaara Cultural Custodian, Uncle Rick Nelson.
“This is fantastic,” Uncle Rick told the Express.
“My father started this project eight years ago through his cultural education program.
“He worked with the children who drew pictures of his dreaming stories, which was then turned into an e-book with the children creating the animations and sound affects and the exhibition came from that.”
The multi-touch book, produced by the SharingStories Foundation, on display at the exhibition, is filled with important Jaara teachings about Country and animals. It is filled with original artwork, animations, soundscapes and spoken word story content all produced by young community members.
Nineteen-year-old Zeppelind, who was one of the artists eight years earlier, said it was so much fun.
“I wish I could go back to that time.”
Creative director of the SharingStories Foundation, Liz Thompson, spoke to those gathered at the opening.
“The book has won an award for ‘Best Interactive Book’. The kids, now young men, should be proud of the work they did,” she said.
The exhibition celebrating local First Nations culture was made possible due to a $400,000 investment from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards represented the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, to officially open the exhibit.
“The Boorp Boorp Boondyil exhibition provides another significant attraction to Castlemaine, attracting more visitors and encouraging them to stay longer and enjoy the many experiences the town offers,” Ms Edwards said.
Cr Bill Maltby, mayor of Mount Alexander Shire, also spoke to those gathered.
“I would in particular, like to pay tribute to senior Jaara cultural custodian Uncle Brien Nelson, whose cultural education work laid the foundations for much of what you see here in this exhibition,” Cr Maltby said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the incredible work that Uncle Brien’s son, Uncle Rick Nelson, has done in putting this exhibition together.”
Uncle Rick said his father was a pioneer in cultural education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
“This exhibition shares some of the knowledge he held, cared for an transferred during his lifetime,” he said.
