Immerse yourself in the beauty of our artistic and cultural delights this season. From a larger-than-life mural to captivating self-guided art trails and fascinating history lessons, our region offers an abundance of interactive experiences that will leave you inspired.
Yo thun ing yuna ngarratya Mural
Be sure to drop into the Council Chambers in Jerilderie to view the incredible mural gracing the walls of the chamber. Meaning ‘Coming Together’, the mural measures a massive 8 metres by 4 metres in size. It was created for the 2000 Olympic Games to provide a visual welcome to visitors for peace and safe travel and was hung in Parliament House during the Games.
The painting depicts various Aboriginal design elements including the Eaglehawk, which is the Barundji/Barkindji totem. It also depicts a white feather to symbolise safe travel, which is also a Barundji/Barkindji belief. It was created by four Barundji/Barkindji artists: Elsie Black, Gertrude Gittins, Eileen Ballangarry and Sos Hawkins. These women can trace their family back at least 700 years as direct matriarchal descendants of the tribe.
Contact the Jerilderie office for a viewing of this unique masterpiece and to learn more of its story.
Venue: 35 Jerilderie Street, Jerilderie
Cost: Free
Open: By appointment only
Marvellous Marriage of Technology and History
The NSW southern Riverina town of Hay is known for its museums, from Shear Outback – The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame to the internationally renowned Dunera Museum, the small township in the southern Riverina has always punched above its weight when it comes to history.
The number and variety of museums in Hay is often a surprise for visitors to the area known for its flat plains and extensive agriculture. It is worth staying another night because there is so much to explore in the town where volunteers saw the value in preserving Hay’s history and stories.
Now, a newly launched App which features the voices of those volunteers, provides the opportunity to hear the stories that weave together to create a rich sensory experience. The App, Visit Hay, invites users to take a tour guide with them as they experience each of the four museums for which Hay is famous. Each of the individual tours on the App brings to life the people and stories of Hay’s history with the voices of those who know it best.
You will hear the voices of volunteers, such as David Houston, whose eye-witness account of the arrival of the Dunera boys at the Hay Railway station marks an incredible moment in not only Hay’s history but that of Australia. To stand on the exact platform and hear David describe the arrival is a truly moving experience. At each museum, visitors will find a QR code which takes them directly to the App. In mere minutes, you will have a pocket audio guide to take with you as you explore each museum for a really personal and memorable visit to Hay.
You can download the Visit Hay app in the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Where: Hay
Cost: Free
Self-Guided Bland Art Trail
The Bland Shire Art Trail is a self-guided art trail to follow at your own pace through all the towns and villages in the Bland Shire. Stay a night or two in West Wyalong and on the Art Trail which includes Weethalle Silo Art, 44 war murals in Ungarie, a Replica Poppet head and panels telling the story of the old and new way of mining. A freshly painted mural on the What Thank Hotel wall also shows the culture, history, and future of West Wyalong.
There is lots of art and sculptures to explore for every age. Discover history and heritage told through the arts.
Where: West Wyalong, Wyalong, Ungarie & Weethalle
Cost: Free – Self Drive
