Mount Alexander Shire Council is proud to share the news that Boorp Boorp Boondyil, a permanent exhibition in Castlemaine dedicated to sharing Jaara stories and teachings, and been recognised with a Reconciliation Victoria award.
The exhibition was selected as one of the inaugural winners of the 2023 Maggolee Awards, which celebrate and recognise strong partnerships between Victorian local governments and First Nations Peoples.
In September 2021, Council employed Dja Dja Wurrung Elder, Uncle Rick Nelson to lead the development of the Boorp Boorp Boondyil exhibition, which means ‘passing knowledge on to our children’.
The exhibition opened at the Market Building in Castlemaine in October 2022, and features a range of stunning artworks designed to offer an immersive and interactive insight into Jaara culture, Country and community.
Uncle Rick Nelson said he was thrilled to see the exhibition acknowledged in the awards.
“I couldn’t be more over the moon”, said Mr Nelson.
“This is a project that was inspired by my father, Uncle Brien Nelson.”
“He spent his life sharing cultural knowledge to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.”
“To be able to continue the work he started – and for it to be creating waves and winning awards – it is just amazing,” said Mr Nelson.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Councillor Rosie Annear said she was proud to see the exhibition recognised and celebrated.
“Everyone who’s visited Boorp Boorp Boondyil knows it’s a really special exhibition”, said Mayor Annear.
“It’s fantastic to see the work that Council has done in partnership with Uncle Rick get the wider recognition that it deserves.”
“This award helps get the word out about the exhibition too, which is great.
“Hopefully more and more people will come to Castlemaine and visit Boorp Boorp Boondyil, and see for themselves how beautiful it is”, said Mayor Annear.
Boorp Boorp Boondyil is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9.00am to 5.00pm at the Castlemaine Market Building, 44 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine.
For more information on Boorp Boorp Boondyil, visit www.maldoncastlemaine.com.au.