Barbara Oehring Photography: William Barak

Showing posts with label William Barak. Show all posts

Monday, April 13, 2015

The 3rd Annual Walk to Coranderrk

I joined the 3rd Annual Walk to Coranderrk on Saturday 28 March 2015. It started at Coronation Park in Healesville and finished at Coranderrk Station, 19 Barak Lane, Healesville.

The walk commemorates the trek made by Wurundjeri elders William Barak, Simon Wonga and others during early 1863 as they searched for a permanent home for their people. The group of 40 travelled across The Great Divide, from the Acheron to the Watts River, selecting land at the junction of the Yarra River and Coranderrk Creek, now Badger Creek close to the eventual location of Healesville. The walk acknowledges and honours the quest of indigenous people to find a place of their own.

For descendants of original inhabitants, walking home to Coranderrk symbolises their people's journey as they searched for a home. Now, the walk also represents the journey into the future as Coranderrk is to be restored as a living place of belonging where everyone will be welcome: indigenous and non-indigenous. This re-enactment of part of the 1863 walk invites us all to reflect on history and to show our commitment to the strengthening of unity between all Victorians.

The rejuvenation of Coranderrk is taking place and everyone is welcomed to share the celebration of strength and survival as we walk and work together.

At Coronation Park Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson performs Welcome to Country.

Djirri Djirri Dance Group present traditional dances.

Giving directions before the Walk to Coranderrk.

The walk has started.

The turn into Barak Lane.

Arrival at Coranderrk Station.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Future Memorials at TarraWarra Museum of Art

I explored the two current exhibitions 'Russell Drysdale' and 'Future Memorials' at TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville. I particularly appreciated 'Future Memorials'.

The project, commissioned by TarraWarra Museum of Art, explores the effects of colonialism on Wurundjeri people and seeks new ways to understand and renew the relationship between the past and the present.

FUTURE MEMORIALS involves the Sydney-based Wiradjuri-Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones, Melbourne-based non-Aboriginal artist Tom Nicholson and Senior Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy AO.

Tom Nicholson's Towards a monument to Batman's Treaty 2008-2013 comprises 101 A0 sheets on the museum wall and 3456 used bricks collected from citizens around Healesville.

Jonathan Jones with Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy after William Barak
untitled (shield design) 2013

The architecture and the landscape delight.

Future Memorials
until 9 February 2014
TarraWarra Museum of Art

311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road,
Healesville, Victoria, Australia
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am to 5pm

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Wurundjeri Stories at Bukkertilibul

Reconciliation and Landcare supporters joined the Wurundjeri women at the Bukkertilibul Dreaming Site on 25 October 2013. The site at Wittons Reserve in Wonga Park is considered to be the birthplace of William Barak.

I felt privileged to attend this very moving ceremony. I was granted permission to photograph aspects the event.

The Wurundjeri women make their entrance.

The Wurundjeri women and girls leave for the secret ceremony.

Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson gives an explanatory talk.

The women return.

A traditional Welcome to Country ceremony follows.
It is a happy occasion.

Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di Kerr
© Barbara Oehring 2013

Cr Jennifer Yang, Mayor City of Manningham
© Barbara Oehring 2013

The Wurundjeri girls show the visitors a traditional dance.

Uncle Bill Nicholson and Dr Jim Poulter
© Barbara Oehring 2013

Bridget Halge
© Barbara Oehring 2013

Monday, March 18, 2013

CORANDERRK FESTIVAL

Coranderrk was a successful Aboriginal Station established in Healesville, Victoria in 1863.

To mark the 150th anniversary, the Coranderrk Festival was celebrated with music and activities on Saturday 16 March 2013.

Coranderrk, the festival site - a working paddock.

Watching the stage.

Author and historian Mick Woiwod talked about the story of Coranderrk.

Here he is being driven away by Allan Wandin, a descendant of William Barak, who settled at Coranderrk Station in 1863.