Kaiela Dungala
29 February – 19 April 2020, Koorie Heritage Trust, Melbourne

At the beginning of 2020, I curated Kaiela Dungala in my role as curator at the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT), located in the heart of Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square. Developed in partnership with Kaiela Arts Shepparton, the exhibition explored the deep cultural, ecological, and emotional connections to the Kaiela Dungala (Goulburn Murray) river system—a lifeblood of the Yorta Yorta people and a site of profound significance for surrounding communities.

Kaiela Dungala was conceived as a visual journey along the river, responding to its seasonal rhythms, stories, and spiritual meanings. Through painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media, the exhibition offered a vibrant and moving expression of Country—alive with memory, resistance, and renewal.

Artists featured in the exhibition included Suzanne Atkinson, whose intricate line work reflects both the strength and fragility of ancestral knowledge; Tammy-Lee Atkinson, known for her bold use of colour and symbolism in exploring family and identity; Amy Briggs, whose delicate works evoke stories passed down through generations; Eric Brown, blending traditional iconography with contemporary materials; Dylan Charles, using woodwork and carving to speak to cultural continuity; Cynthia Hardie, exploring the textures and patterns of Country in layered forms; Eva Ponting, integrating storytelling and natural forms in deeply personal works; Norm Stewart, whose pieces reflect an enduring connection to river landscapes; and Brett Wilson, blending cultural motifs with modern techniques to speak to place and belonging.

As curator, I worked closely with each artist to bring their unique vision to life. This involved collaborative planning and deep dialogue around the themes of land, water, and community. My role was to ensure that the exhibition not only reflected the collective voice of the artists, but also honoured the spirit of Country they represent.

Kaiela Dungala was exhibited alongside Vessels of Life—a complementary show that further explored material culture and continuity. Together, they formed a powerful statement on the resilience and creativity of First Nations artists in regional Victoria.