The story behind Binak Biik

By Matt Romania

The All-Abilities Sculpture Trail in Darley has unveiled a captivating new installation, Binak Biik (Basket Country), a bronze sculpture steeped in the region’s rich history and Indigenous culture. Artistic team, Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Kim Wandin and Christine Joy brought the project to life with support from the Moorabool Shire Council.

An integration of basalt rock, bronze baskets, and plantings, Binak Biik carries a unique narrative to engage the community. The bronze baskets were originally woven from plant fibre by Aunty Kim and then cast into bronze.

Aunty Kim emphasised the importance of weaving in Wurundjeri culture, stating that weaving is an important part of their culture, both in the past and present.

“Women have always played a vital role in preserving our traditions,” she said.

Ms Joy said the open basket, central to the sculpture, serves as an invitation for openness and understanding.

“It is signifying the enduring bond between women and the land,” she said.

Binak Biik is an opportunity to reflect on the traumatic change to the basalt plains, that affected Aboriginal people so critically.

“It’s important to remember that the colonisation of Victoria led to massive land-clearing for farming. Furthermore, hard-hoofed animals, such as sheep and other farm animals, caused great harm to soils and remnant vegetation,” Ms Joy said.

Basalt stone is an integral part of the sculpture, honouring the regional significance of the vast basalt plains of Western Victoria, as rich, fertile, biodiverse country where Victorian Aboriginal groups thrived.

Binak Biik features plantings of endangered and vulnerable species, planted around the base of the rocks by local ecologist, Ben Courtice.

In all their work, they honour Country and are committed to giving back to Country through conservation education, and through planting programs where they can

Aunty Kim and Ms Joy hope the sculpture will encourage visitors to explore their own relationship to Country and the roles of traditional owners.

As Aunty Kim puts it, “Baskets have been woven by women in many cultures for a long time. They represent our presence and custodianship on Country.”

“We have deliberately placed one of the baskets close to the path to invite visitors to enjoy a tactile experience of the basket and the stone and enjoy the beauty of the plants.”

With its unveiling at Telford Park Reserve, this artwork, rich in culture, and environmental awareness, invites the community to connect with the land and its history.