Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Happy 30th Birthday Koorie Heritage Trust

The Koorie Heritage Trust celebrated its 30th birthday on Saturday 19 September 2015 with a free public concert in Melbourne's Federation Square.



I arrived early while the first visitors took their seats in provided deck chairs.


© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015


The Koorie Heritage Trust is one of the oldest community owned Aboriginal arts and cultural centres in Australia. It recently relocated from King Street to vibrant Federation Square.


I entered the Yarra Building and stepped into the retail shop where authentic South East Aboriginal designed and crafted products are for sale.


In the gallery next to the Koorie Shop I photographed a 2009 bronze statue of Lionel Rose by Stephen Glassborow; a kangaroo skin art work by Mandy Nicholson: Map of Port Philip Bay, c. 2000; and a recent art work of kangaroo skins by Mitch Mahoney Boon: Yan Yan Gorrinj Bunj Koolin (Growing up), 2015.


© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



By then it was time to stroll towards the Federation Square stage where the show was about to begin.


© Barbara Oehring 2015



The concert was hosted by Kamahi King's female alter ego Constantina Bush who entertained the crowd with her black humour and some songs.

 
© Barbara Oehring 2015



The Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri Women's dance group was represented by Mandy Nicholson and her two daughters. Nephew Damien Nicholson played the didgeridoo.


© Barbara Oehring 2015




© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015




© Barbara Oehring 2015





We were treated to performances by the Koorie Tiddas Choir and Jessie Lloyd's Mission Songs Project which featured John Wayne Parsons, Monica Weightman, Robert Champion and Tiriki Onus.




Jessie Lloyd © Barbara Oehring 2015




Tiriki Onus © Barbara Oehring 2015


The team Indigenous Hip Hop Projects wore colourful tops. The audience was encouraged to repeat the powerful words on the reverse side of the shirts.  

© Barbara Oehring 2015


After an energetic show Indigenous Hip Hop Projects invited the crowd to dance.


© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015