Gordon artists contribute

By Lachlan Ellis

Five First Nations artists will have their work featured at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, as part of a new precinct encouraging a deeper understanding of the region’s Traditional Owners.

Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, visited Sovereign Hill to announce the contributing Wadawurrung artists: Gordon’s Aunty Marlene Gilson and Tammy Gilson, and fellow Indigenous artists Dr Deanne Gilson, Kait James, and Lynette Fagan.

The five artists’ work will be part of the new ‘Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct’, which is expected to be complete by June next year.

The precinct will pay homage to the rich history of the local Wadawurrung people through a collection of expertly curated sculptures, and illustrate the importance of sharing the journeys, experiences, and stories of the region by instilling the knowledge of First Peoples’ culture to current and future generations of all people.

Backed by a $6 million investment from the State Government, the new cultural space is part of a significant precinct upgrade, generating jobs and attracting more visitors to the much-loved gold-rush themed attraction.

Tammy Gilson said it was fantastic to be able to contribute parts of Wadawurrung culture to the precinct.

“I’m so excited, I just feel so honoured that our voices will be acknowledged, and used as a showcase that honours our Wadawurrung culture, connects all of us, and tells that lived experience. It’s the biggest project I’ve ever done…I love working with Sovereign Hill,” she told the Moorabool News.

“The sculptures are getting into the fabrication stage now, the designs have been accepted. They’re all so different and diverse with different narratives to them. Mine is connected to our living waters, and will honour an old fishing method.”

Ms Settle thanked the five Wadawurrung women for contributing to the space with their work.

“We’re proud to support a project that enhances First Peoples-led experiences in the region and encourages visitors to learn more about the rich culture of the Wadawurrung people.” she said.