General News
24 July, 2023
Gallery another step closer to Indigenous garden
The Central Goldfields Art Gallery is a step closer to getting an Indigenous Interpretive Garden with the project entering the next stage. Set to be laid next to the gallery in the open space on the corner of Neill and Campbell Street, the project...

The Central Goldfields Art Gallery is a step closer to getting an Indigenous Interpretive Garden with the project entering the next stage.
Set to be laid next to the gallery in the open space on the corner of Neill and Campbell Street, the project is jointly funded by the State Government and the Central Goldfields Shire Council.
Featuring various cultural themes and references to local sites as well as practices, the garden is being designed in collaboration with Dja Dja Wurrung community representatives and artists.
With the initial stage kicked off last year, a group of Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge holders recently gathered for a wartaka — which stands for ‘come together with purpose’ — to approve design concepts and provide additional cultural guidance for the upcoming phases of the project.
Mayor Grace La Vella said the council was thrilled to see the project progress to the next step.
“The original concept designs for the project were developed from the first wartaka which was held during the first phase of the project in October 2021 so this will be a chance for the project group to come together again to ensure a strong partnership approach to the project,” she said.
“The Indigenous Interpretive Garden will be a welcome addition to our beautiful gallery as well as a public space for mixing, celebrating unique past and present stories, learning, understanding, healing, and reconciliation.
“The cultural elements to be embedded in the garden will recognise and acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners, celebrate the living culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung People, as well as share significant cultural heritage and demonstrate the continuation of all relationships within Country.
“The location of the garden within this key civic precinct will also ensure that there are everyday opportunities for Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge and values to be celebrated and shared with visitors and the local community.”
Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter also welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the council.
“Through this partnership with the shire, we’re embedding Dja Dja Wurrung People and Culture back on djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
“It is important for Dja Dja Wurrung People that our culture is visible on djandak, and we are proud to share it with the whole community.”