Garden Village Unveiled Birpai Artwork “Mara Murrung yawutungga”
Garden Village weaved one of the oldest artforms of Aboriginal Art with one of the newest technologies Virtual Reality to unveil their Birpai Artwork to the Garden Village team, residents and community. The event beautifully blended Aboriginal art and Virtual Reality to celebrate intergenerational connectedness and culture.
A huge thanks to Birpai Artist Nardja Carter who shared her personal connection to Garden Village and brought the paintings to life with beautiful storytelling connecting us to the importance of ancestors, culture, family and the natural world.
The new contemporary Birpai artwork titled “Mara Murrung yawutungga” was unveiled on Thursday 19 September. The artwork, created by local Birpai artist Nardja Carter, will be displayed in the Garden Village reception area to welcome visitors to the Village.
“Mara Murrung yawutungga,” which translates to “Go Well on a Journey,” is a nature-inspired, hand-painted custom acrylic on canvas. It symbolizes the caring community moving through the rhythms of life, drawing inspiration from coastal living and Birpai Creation stories passed down by Nardja’s grandmother, who was cared for at Garden Village.
Guests travelled on a journey across Australia with Silvr Adventures Virtual Reality viewing First Nations Song and Dance from Byron Bay to Uluru. The Virtual Reality was made possible thanks to generous donations from the community. Nardja introduced us to a range of bush jams and teas served with Garden Village scones!
The Story of the Artwork “Mara Murrung yawutungga”
“We are all travellers in this world, each at a different point in our journey. Some are just beginning, while others have been on their paths for quite some time. Some set out from distant lands, while others simply step out from their front door. But it’s when our paths intersect with others a community begins to take shape. A community where knowledge and experiences are shared, enriching the journey for all involved. It is in these moments of convergence that we learn to care and show respect and compassion for those who have travelled further down the road,” said Nardja.
CEO Craig Wearne commented, “The artwork represents our commitment to caring for elders and all older people in our community and providing nurturing environments for people to age in place. It also supports our commitment to reconciliation and creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.” “We have enjoyed collaborating with Nardja on this project,” added Mr. Wearne. “Her artistic interpretation beautifully captures the essence of Garden Village.”
The new artwork represents Garden Village’s values of compassion, care, and community connections while honoring the rich cultural heritage of the Birpai people.
As part of the organisation’s REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan, employees have undertaken cultural awareness team training, attended the Reconciliation Event with the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council and attended local events including the Saltwater Freshwater Arts 2024 touring exhibition at Glasshouse Gallery.
About SILVR Adventures Virtual Reality at Garden Village
Thanks to donations from residents and the Garden Village community; and a grant from Port Macquarie Hastings Council Community Grants Program and the Aged Persons Welfare Foundation, Garden Village is proud to have launched a Virtual Reality Program for residents. Thanks to the generosity of the community, residents can enjoy armchair travel all around the world from the comfort of their home promoting social engagement and cognitive stimulation.
The NAIDOC Virtual Reality session is a celebration of Australian First Nations Song and Dance. This immersive 360-degree film takes viewers on a journey across Australia, showcasing traditional and contemporary performances. Narrated by David Gulpilil, the experience begins with a performance by Bangarra Dance Theatre at the Sydney Opera House and travels to various locations including Uluru, Arnhem Land, Torres Strait Islands, Queensland rainforest, Byron Bay and Darwin. Through virtual reality it provides an intimate and breathtaking look at Aboriginal cultural heritage. The film blends ancient traditions with modern expressions, allowing viewers to experience the diversity and evolution of Indigenous Australian dance and music in stunning natural settings across the continent.
