Looking Back to Look Forward

While you’re there…

THERE ARE SOME EXHIBITIONS THAT ARE STORIES BEGGING TO BE TOLD AND SANDRA HILL’S CURRENT EXHIBITION AT THE BALINGUP PACKING SHED IS A PERFECT CASE IN POINT.

By BEVERLY LIGMAN

A DEEPLY PERSONAL account of being part of the Stolen Generation, the WadandiPibulmun Elder and Stolen Generations survivor Sandra Hill’s exhibition ‘Past, Present and Future – A Cultural Journey’ captures the history and lives of Bibbulmun (Noongar) people in the South West.

It tells the harrowing story of Indigenous families’ separations, laying bare the emotional scars of that journey and the hundreds of lives that were irrevocably changed because of it.

The exhibition is a timeline of Aboriginal history shared through written essays, historical photographs, art imagery and traditional artefacts that represent the culture and the collective experiences of the Aboriginal people of the South West of Western Australia.

Sandra has described the culturally significant exhibition as being both about healing and survival.

“We are trying to heal, but we can’t do that if you don’t know what happened to us,” she told reporters at the exhibition’s opening.

“We’ve survived and we’re still teaching our culture and passing it on to our kids and sharing it with the wider community.”

The exhibition shares Sandra’s personal accounts, photos, documents and artefacts with the public in an effort to share how being part of the Stolen Generations had shaped her life and inspired her work.

There are also historical elements of the exhibition which include some of the foods, traditions and clothes worn by Bibbulmun people before colonisation, plus an illustration of a cloak of one of Ms Hill’s ancestors, which had been hidden for the past two decades.

Panels featured throughout the exhibition inform viewers of the Noongar Six Seasons, cultural practices of Aboriginal people before colonisation, the names of local places in traditional language, and maps detailing the 14 different language groups in the South West. Plus you can find written and visual information about tool making, fishing, hunting, clothing and ceremonial practices.

The exhibition will be full of memories of missions, pain and sadness for many seeing it, but will also provide a cultural learning for younger generations who may never fully understand the significance of what happened to the Stolen Generations and their place in history because of it. A beautiful tribute to the sons and daughters of Balingup who served in the World War I, the Avenue of Honour located at the end of Brockman Street is a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives for their country. Names are engraved on plaques at the base of the trees and there are interpretive boards to walk you through the experience. When you’re done, why not enjoy a picnic and a moment of quiet contemplation to honour our fallen soldiers.

And if you have the time stroll the easy 1.2km of the Balingup Heritage Walk Trail. There’s no better way to get to know the history of this South West gem and discover tales of a bygone era.

There’s also plenty of cafés, wineries, galleries and arts and crafts stops to entertain you on your way. You might even find yourself at the Balingup Tavern to end the day, sharing a joke with the locals and enjoying a delicious glass of red.

The name Balingup was first recorded by a surveyor in 1850, and is said to be derived from the name of Noongar warrior, Balingan. Other research by Noongar academic and researcher Len Collard discovered the name derives from the Noongar language, meaning “one that is situated there at this place.”

‘Past, Present and Future – A Cultural Journey’ expertly weaves together history, culture and familial ties to create an important exhibition that should not be missed, lovingly sharing the story of Sandra's mob so that it can be cherished forever more. To find out more visit balinguptourism. com.au/aboriginal-cultural-heritageexhibition-open

DID YOU KNOW?

Artistic

Inside & Out

WITH THE WORLD’S LARGEST DAM MURAL, CAREFULLY CURATED GALLERIES PUNCHING WELL ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT, AND INSPIRING URBAN ART SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE STREETS – BUNGEO’S ART SCENE IS ONE THAT STANDS OUT.

By BEVERLY LIGMAN

BunGeo is brimming with artistic attractions worthy of drawing crowds. Whether it be its impressive galleries or unexpected street art, you’ll discover accessible art all around you.

We recommend making your way to the majestic, large pink building that is Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (or BRAG to its friends) to kick-start your BunGeo art journey. Now leading the charge is recently appointed director Mike Bianco, who has a long history in both the commercial and not-forprofit art sectors, with a strong focus on community engagement.

“The South West is one of my favourite places and I feel very lucky to be leading a team dedicated to celebrating and exhibiting rich forms of culture,” Mike says.

“I see BRAG as much more than a gallery, it’s the people’s home for arts, culture and intellectual curiosity. And I’m dedicated to making sure that every member of the community feels welcome to call this space their own.”

The iconic gallery has a host of exhibitions both permanent and temporary throughout the year.

Currently at BRAG you’ll find Tony Windberg’s ‘Wonders of the World’ showing until August 21, 2022. The exhibition focusses on images of antiquity from the Roman ruins to Petra and the pyramids. Windberg has restored old photographs and paired them with non-conventional art

materials to create a range of contrasts and contradictions.

On display until August 14, 2022 is ‘Playing the Man’ - a playful celebration of football, referencing bubble gum footy cards from the 70’s and 80’s archives as well as media images of the greats of the game.

Another exhibition on our radar is ‘Noongar Country 2022’. Coinciding with NAIDOC Week and showing until August 21, 2022 this collection showcases work from established and emerging Indigenous artists residing on Noongar Boodja, offering important insights into Indigenous culture and history.

From September 17 you’ll find the annual ‘Illuka Visions’ high school exhibition on show until November 27, 2022 and from October 15 you’ll also be able to enjoy ‘In Place’, a group exhibition by South West printmakers, showing until January 15, 2023.

Take the time to explore the permanent exhibitions, too; including the prestigious City of Bunbury collection that features water colours, mixed media, and inspired art works by significant artists which have been donated to the gallery for all to enjoy. The collection now features some 900 works and is coveted by art lovers all over Australia. To explore more on show at BRAG visit brag.org.au or scan the QR code above.

Six Two Three Zero

Outside of the gallery Six Two Three Zero is not just Bunbury’s postcode, it’s also an independent Bunbury based arts management team that uses art in public spaces as catalysts for urban development and social change.

While in Bunbury, wander the streets and discover the wealth of art that adorns the walls of local cafés, restaurants, bars and buildings.

Kick-started in 2014 by artist and Bunbury local, Andrew Frazer, who along with another five artists painted six murals through the streets, the initial collection and pool of contributing artists has expanded year-on-year. A fundamental aim for all involved has been to breathe new life into Bunbury and create a walking art exhibition through the city, which now boasts one of the largest collections of street and public art in regional Australia.

It reflects the personality, colour and vibrancy that you can find all throughout Bunbury once you start to explore. Visit sixtwothreezero.com to plan your street art expedition, grab a map from the Visitor Centre, or just hit the streets and begin!

Collie Mural Trail

Collie has carved a name for itself as a town that thrives with arts and culture, thanks to the impressive and inspiring Collie Mural Trail. This expansive collection of street art connects the town of Collie to the Wellington Dam (where you can find the jewel in its crown) through a collection of murals that weaves through the streets.

This clever trail tells stories about Collie’s heritage and lets art lovers enjoy the collision of art and history as they explore each artwork.

Every piece tells a local story, and the trail ends in spectacular fashion at Guido van Helten’s 8,000 square metre mega mural, telling stories on the walls of the Wellington Dam. There are more than 30 artists featured in the trail, which breathes new life and a love of the creative into this small coal-mining town.

The trail continues to expand and in March and May 2022, WA artist Jacob “Shakey” Butler added two new murals to the mix – a 10-metre high and 4.5-metre wide mural paying tribute to the town’s historical timber industry ties, as well as 'Boronia Gully', a mural dedicated to Aboriginal heritage. Boronia Gully is where the Indigneous people depicted on the right side of the mural lived, says Jacob. "I was instructed by local Elder Joe