OFFICIAL OPENING

Monday 30^th November 2020 at 11am

Yaegl Cultural Garden and Function Room

We were very excited to celebrate the official opening of our two major projects that enhance the museum precinct. Both projects were funded by a NSW State Government grant and were able to be completed during 2020 COVID-19 restrictions.

Created in close collaboration with local Indigenous communities, artists and gardeners over six months, the Yaegl Cultural Garden has transformed the entrance of the Museum into a grand display of local stories and culture. The Garden incorporates a mosaic featuring two local totems (dolphin and dingo); six Language Poles; and three Yarning Circles. The Garden now sets the tone and focus on telling stories about the first people in Yamba.

Following the development of the new Yaegl Cultural Garden – which included a new design of the Museum’s entrance, in consultation with the Yaegl community – a new Function Room was created, including facilities for visitors with disabilities. In tandem with the Garden, the Function Room has increased the accessibility of the Museum and will enable Yaegl community celebrations and meetings, alongside other group gatherings, to be held.

Guest speakers were Ken (Fox) Laurie, a director of the Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC and traditional custodian and landowner, and Chris Gulaptis MP.

Other guests included the three artists who designed the garden’s Yaegl motifs and mosaic – Frances Belle Parker, Leeanne Kennedy, Aneika Kapeen – Yaegl elders and Yaegl community representatives, Clarence Valley Mayor Jim Simmons, Councillors, General Manager and staff, and Society members.

Mosaic of dingo (“wayway”) and dolphin (“waanji”) totems at Old Kirk entrance – August 2020