Visitors to Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park are invited to explore unique outdoor artworks at Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap. Deep cultural connections to Gariwerd are represented by a striking sculpture and four large artworks created by Traditional Owners.
'Yunguip beal' Wergaia meaning: canoe and red gum
The Yunguip beal sculpture references Bunjil as creator of Gariwerd (Grampians), hovering over a bark canoe featuring images of the Banks brown butterfly, freshwater mussel shells, fish, and platypus.
Gail Harradine, Wotjobaluk, Jadawadjali, Djubagalk artist, curator, and educator worked as lead artist for sculpture.
"First Peoples such as my ancestor, Pelham Cameron, traverse the waterways to fish. The waterways connect with Tchingal (giant emu) and other creation stories for Jadawadjali," Gail explained.
"The installation recognises ongoing trauma and the importance of healing and cultural connection, understanding of the environment and focusses on working together."
Yunguip beal is located at the edge of the yarning circle in the Brambuk courtyard, framing the landscape beyond. The fish net stencil beneath the canoe celebrates Aunty Glenda Nicholls' work as a master weaver and arts practitioner.
Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap
Brambuk was a collective vision of multiple Aboriginal community groups connected to Gariwerd. The Traditional Owners of Gariwerd are represented by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The mixed media artworks created by Tanisha Lovett and Levi Lovett are accompanied by interpretive signs, inviting visitors to learn more about the Traditional Owners' connection to Gariwerd
Gunditjmara, Wotjobaluk artist Tanisha Lovett, and Gunditjmara artist Levi Lovett created A Cultural Connection to Gariwerd (Brambuk), comprising four mixed media art panels.
In their work, they invite visitors to see the connections between each panel. "Each panel has symbols drawn in the sky and the ground, representing the rich cultural stories and connection Aboriginal people have with the land and the sky."
The frames surrounding the artworks were crafted by locals Nick Scott and Tim Sweet using upcycled jarrah from the site.
The mixed media artworks by Tanisha Lovett and Levi Lovett invite visitors to see the connections between each panel with symbols drawn in the sky and ground representing the rich cultural stories and connection Aboriginal people have with the land and the sky
Brambuk and Gariwerd (Grampians) continues to be a gathering place for Traditional Owners that have a cultural responsibility within this landscape.
Brambuk welcomes visitors – sharing knowledge, breaking down barriers and building reconciliation and respect.
The Brambuk Outdoor Artworks project was funded by a Creative Victoria grant with the new artworks now on permanent display on the outer walls and in the surrounding grounds at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.
A series of self-guided and wheelchair friendly walks through the Brambuk wetlands and native gardens links the Park Information Centre to the Cultural Centre and provides a glimpse of the native plants and animals of Gariwerd.
While the Cultural Centre remains closed for ongoing upgrades, the National Park Information Centre and surrounding precinct is open.
Visitors can gather information about the national park from knowledgeable park staff, enjoy the stunning artwork or source the latest park information including walking, camping and touring.
