Boorp Boorp Boondyil

Boorp Boorp Boondyil is an interactive exhibition for all ages that features a range of stunning artworks and experiences, each designed to offer a unique and immersive insight into Djaara culture, Country and community.
 
The award winning exhibition also includes important cultural lessons about living on Country and teaches us about bush foods, medicine, waterways and weaving.

 

"This is a story my father told me. It’s hugely important to pass it on to our children, and our children’s children" – Dja Dja Wurrung Elder, Uncle Rick Nelson.

Passing knowledge to our children

Senior Djaara cultural custodian, Uncle Rick Nelson, explains that Boorp Boorp Boondyil means ‘passing knowledge on to our children’”. 

“Creating work in the exhibition together with the children has helped teach them about their culture. To keep those stories alive and ongoing, and passing them to the kids is very important.” 

Immersive and interactive

  • Virtual Welcome to Country Ceremony installation
  • Interactive discovery of Dja Dja Wurrung language and Djaara stories and teachings
  • Immersive soundscapes of local birds and animals

Woven Eagle’s Nest is constructed from natural materials

Werpila Larnuk (Eagle’s Nest) is constructed from natural materials found on Dja Dja Wurrung djankak (Country). These have been carefully woven into place with raffia fibre and twigs which have been collected from the Jaara landscape. Artist: Aunty Marilyne Nichols

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Werpil (Eagle)

Werpil (Eagle) was made with cultural guidance from Uncle Rick Nelson to students from Nalderun Program, The Meeting Place. Artist: Georgie Rose

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Werpila Larnuk (Eagle’s Nest)

Werpila Larnuk (Eagle’s Nest). Artist: Aunty Marilyne Nichols

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Boorp Boorp Boondyil exhibition space

Boorp Boorp Boondyil exhibition space

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The ‘writing with fire’ installation

The ‘writing with fire’ installation uses pyrographic techniques - on reclaimed timber poles to celebrate the native animals and plants found on Country. Artist: Alvin Darcy Briggs

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Inside the Market Building

Inside the historic Market Building

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Volcano gathered from the local volcanoes Lalgambook (Mount Franklin) and Mount Kooroocheang.

The rocks that surround the base of the Volcano sculpture are gathered from the local volcanoes Lalgambook (Mount Franklin) and Mount Kooroocheang. Amongst these are small fragments which are blades and scraper tools often found around the camp ‘napping floor’. Artist: Paul Turbitt

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Wararack pyographics on reclaimed timber poles

Wararack pyrographics on reclaimed timber poles. Artist: Alvin Darcy Briggs

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Uncle Rick Nelson and Mayor Rosie Annear with the 2023 Maggolee award

Uncle Rick Nelson and Mayor Rosie Annear with the 2023 Maggolee award

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Local artists tell the stories of ancient culture

Local First Nations artists were commissioned to create unique art works that respond to the knowledge being shared including the story of the Eagle, the Bat and the Crow, the Creation Story of the Dja Dja Wurrung in the Mount Alexander region. .

  • Aunty Marilyne Nichols is a Multi-Clans; Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta, Baraba Baraba, Wadi Wadi and Jupagulk master weaver
  • Alvin Darcy Briggs is a Taungarung and Yorta Yorta man, who lives and works on Djaara Country. Alvin used pyrographic – ‘writing with fire’ on reclaimed timber poles to celebrate the native animals and plants found on Country.
  • Georgie Rose is an artist, storyteller and puppeteer who lives and works in Lalgambook Country (Mt. Franklin, Victoria).
  • Paul Turbitt is a practicing artist working on Djaara Country at Strangways.
Boorp Boorp Boondyil was produced by Uncle Rick Nelson, Mount Alexander Shire Council, and SharingStories Foundation. Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation and St. Peters Primary School were essential partners.

Boorp Boorp Boondyil is supported through funding received by the Victorian and Australian Governments:
  • Indigenous Languages and Arts
  • Gandel Foundation
  • Telematics Trust
  • Besen Family Foundation
  • Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
  • Freemasons Foundation Victoria Limited.

Exhibition details

  • Open 9am - 5pm every day except Christmas day

    Castlemaine Historic Market Building
    44 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450

    Free admission
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