A new exhibition is challenging institutions holding Indigenous artefacts to rethink their relationships with cultural material, moving beyond symbolic gestures towards meaningful action.
Led by La Trobe University, Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism brings together 40 artworks and cultural objects from 18 health, education and community organisations across Victoria, alongside significant works from the La Trobe Art Institute collections.
Launching on 18 June at Djaa Djuwima gallery in Bendigo, the exhibition explores how cultural objects are living holders of knowledge, responsibility and connection, rather than static symbols of inclusion.
Professor Jane Mills, La Trobe Rural Health School Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Health Innovation (Regional), said the exhibition reflected the University's commitment to Indigenous leadership, partnership and truth-telling.
"Billabongs Not Silos invites us to reflect on what it means to hold Indigenous cultural materials and the responsibilities that come along with it," Professor Mills said.
"This exhibition encourages organisations to move beyond symbolic representation and consider how Indigenous knowledge, relationships and leadership are genuinely embedded within their practices and systems."
The three-month exhibition is presented by the La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe's School of Education and Office of Indigenous Strategy and Education, in partnership with Djaa Djuwima gallery and the City of Greater Bendigo. It showcases stories of culture, healing, identity, learning and community connection.
Professor Joanna Barbousas, School of Education Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, Impact and Innovation, said the exhibition created opportunities for dialogue across sectors.
"It celebrates Indigenous excellence while encouraging all of us to consider how we can contribute to a future where Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge and leadership are meaningfully recognised and supported," Professor Barbousas said.
The exhibition has been curated by proud Palawa woman Michellie Charvat, Arts Officer First Nations at Djaa Djuwima gallery and creative director Troy Firebrace, a proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man and Lecturer in Indigenous Studies in the School of Education at La Trobe.
Troy said the exhibition asked institutions to rethink what is displayed and how to engage with the communities behind those cultural items.
"These works carry stories, obligations and relationships. They are not simply objects to be viewed, but invitations to listen, learn and act," Troy said.
Djaa Djuwima Curator and Arts Officer, First Nations Michellie Charvat said Beyond Symbolism provided a powerful message.
"This exhibition shows that these objects are not just still displays or symbols kept in institutions," Michellie said.
"It encourages organisations to work together instead of in separate silos and to see these objects as part of shared learning, respect and ongoing care.
"At the centre of the exhibition is the idea of a modern "billabong." Like a meeting place, it is a space where stories, knowledge and responsibility are shared. It helps build stronger relationships between organisations and First Nations communities."
Running from 18 June to 21 September 2026, Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism forms part of the University's broader Billabongs Not Silos initiative, which strengthens connections between health, education, culture and community through Indigenous leadership and collaboration.
Event details
- Djaa Djuwima gallery, Bendigo Visitor Centre, 51-67 Pall Mall
- The exhibition will run until 21 September 2026
- Launching 18 June 5-7pm.
Case studies
- Troy Firebrace - Creative Director of the Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism, artist and La Trobe Lecturer in Indigenous Studies.
- Robyn Trainor from the Centre for Non Violence - can speak to how the organisation holds, displays and recognises the power of its Indigenous artwork in their spaces:
"Our commitment to creating a culturally safe and welcoming space at CNV is reflected in the commissioning of Our Place, a beautiful artwork created by local artist Janet Bromley. Traditionally, displayed in our reception area, the piece represents connection to Country through children's handprints, animals, waterholes and pathways that symbolise safety and healing.
"Our Place sits alongside other significant items gifted to us by Njernda, acknowledging their ongoing support of women and children seeking safety and healing from family violence. Together, these elements create a space that honours culture, connection and community."
- Andy Sloane, Director of Aboriginal Services, Diversity & Health Promotion, at Bendigo Health.
- Janet Bromley - Bendigo artist behind the Centre for Non Violence's contributed exhibition piece Our Place and can speak broadly to the ideas and concept behind this exhibition.
PHOTO: (L-R) Michellie Charvat (City of Greater Bendigo), Troy Firebrace (La Trobe University), Janet Bromley (Bendigo artist) and Robyn Trainor (Centre for Non Violence) in front of Our Place, a piece commissioned by Janet Bromley for Centre for Non Violence.
