The History of the Shrine Travelling Exhibition is touring regional Victorian centres from 2006 to 2009. Over 20 leading institutions are hosting this important exhibition which aims to connect all Victorians to the Shrine of Remembrance. The exhibition features information panels, archival photographs and audiovisual material. It traces the Shrine’s fascinating history from concept to construction through to its role as a contemporary commemorative and interactive learning space. The Shrine exhibition will be in Bairnsdale through June and July.
Traditional inhabitants of the Gippsland region were the Gunai/Kurnai people. Swan Reach was the central corroboree point for the five clans of the Kurnai. Today, our regions history is rich in their culture and heritage.
As you tour through East Gippsland you will be following the well worn routes that the Koorie people of our region have been travelling for thousands of years. For Aboriginal people, land is central to their identities, heritage and their spiritual existence. The significance of land is intimately bound in the spirituality surrounding the origins of landscapes and the animals, plants and people that inhabit them.
Similarly, Indigenous culture looks at art from a different viewpoint. It is not just about artistic release. Art is the representation of identity for one or many, an expression of knowledge, cultural heritage and a deep association and linking to the land.
The Bataluk Cultural Trail is a wonderful insight into the culture and heritage of the traditional inhabitants of East Gippsland. It is a story of where they came from and what they encountered. It is rich in meaning and sometimes harsh in reality. With explanations of indigenous heritage sites and information on a variety of cultural aspects, this guide is a must.
The local Koorie people welcome the opportunity to tell visitors about their traditional lands and culture but ask that you respect their land and culture in your behaviour. Enjoy your experience.
Krowathunkooloong (Keeping Place) East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative
The Krowathunkooloong Cultural Museum provides an in-depth look at the indigenous history of the Gunai-Kurnai people from pre-European settlement through to the present day. History, heritage and culture of the Koorie people of East Gippsland unfold through imaginative displays of items like shields with traditional markings, boomerangs, bark canoes and baskets. The living cultural side is reflected in an exhibition area housing contemporary Koorie art and staff are on hand to give additional insights. A visit is highly recommended!
East Gippsland Aboriginal Arts Corporation
The desire to develop and continue to nurture the Aboriginal Arts Community led to the establishment of the East Gippsland Aboriginal Arts Corporation. The advancement of visual and performing arts and crafts is their major goal.
Through this organisation the sale of local artworks, accessibility of visual and performing artists and information on community events can all be availed.
Contact 222 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale 3875 Phone: 03 5153 1002 Hours: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm (September-April). Other times by appointment.
The coastal region stretching from Lake Tyers in East Gippsland to Mimosa Rocks National Park in Southern New South Wales and inland towards Bombala was recently presented under the name Australia’s Coastal Wilderness to international tourism and travel representatives at a trade show in Perth. Held at the Australian Tourism Exchange the conference was attended by East Gippsland Mayor, Cr Mendy Urie, CEO Steve Kozlowski and Shire economic development and tourism coordinator Phil Rickards who is chair of the steering committee for Australia’s Coastal Wilderness.
Mr Rickards said the launch that was part of the National Landscapes Program signalled a new era for tourism in East Gippsland and Southern New South Wales.
“Devised by Tourism Australia and Parks Australia, the program was designed to identify the best of Australia’s natural and cultural landscapes that are inspirational destinations in their own right and that transcend borders and boundaries,” he said.
“The landscapes also include Australia’s Red Centre, the Australian Alps, Kakadu, Flinders Ranges, the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s Green Cauldron (Mt Warning and surrounding areas inland from Byron Bay and the Gold Coast) and the Greater Blue Mountains.
“These landscapes are to be marketed to the global audience known as Experience Seekers who want to get off the beaten track and immerse themselves in Australian nature and culture.”
Mr Rickards said that from a marketing point of view, two of East Gippsland’s most spectacular natural assets, the High Country and parts of the beautiful coastal region would be now promoted internationally alongside other national icons under a high profile brand.
“The other great benefit of the program is that it encourages stakeholders including land managers, tourism agencies, local government and industry to work closely together for the conservation of Australia’s outstanding natural and cultural experiences.”
Cr Urie said the name chosen for the coastal region - Australia’s Coastal Wilderness – made the statement that we have a world-class destination right here in our own back yard.
“Although there are other coastal wilderness areas around Australia our wilderness area is distinguished by its accessibility to visitors coming from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra and its proximity to unique communities including Mallacoota, Bemm River and Eden that that are bases for exploring spectacular lakes, rivers, forests and beaches.
In addtition, the linkage between the two National Landscapes, part of which lie in East Gippsland - Australia's Coastal Wilderness and the Australian Alps means that a strong marketing partnership can be formed. This will enable a more successful delivery of the product to the international and domestic markets so benefitting the tourism industry and numerous communities in both East Gippsland's coastal region and High Country. " she said.
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