Kulbardi Season
Perth Transport Operations Control Centre
-
'Gabrugal Yana'
Western Sydney Parklands
Weaving First Nations knowledge into nature’s canvas
Public Art
-
Project details
EASTERN CREEK, NSW | DHARUG
2023Client: Greater Sydney Parklands
Artists: Shay Tobin, Djon Mundine OAM
Partners: Erin Wilkins, Jamie Eastwood, Milne & Stonehouse, Australian Bronze The Art of Wall, Jo Breneger
Photography: Western Sydney Parklands and TILT Industrial DesignScattered along a bushland trail through Western Sydney Parklands, six trees are transformed into a canvas of Indigenous storytelling, depicting the six Dharug seasons. The old trees, often considered dead, have become monuments in the landscape, adorned with artwork that celebrates the stories they hold of Dharug ancestors.
-
-
Background
Gabrugal Yana, or the walk of the Gabru, is an immersive experience, connecting community to Country and an opportunity for First Nations storytelling. The walk traverses an 11km trail through native bushland and is marked by the six landmark trees, with accompanying wayfinding and signage in the Dharug language.
The trees, based on the six seasons of the Dharug calendar, depict the weather, plants and animals that are prevalent during those seasons: Dugara Guwara – cold and windy/Sept-Oct (Diamond python tree), Yuruga Burra – hot and thirsty/March-April (Eel trap tree), Bayin Gura – Cool, getting warmer/Nov-Dec (Dianella weaving tree), Bunnul Marray – warm and wet/Jan-Feb (Blue tongue Lizard tree), Bayin Dyarra – wet and cooler/May-Jun (Fire season tree) and Dagara – cold and frosty/Jul-Aug (Black cockatoo).
Created by First Nations artists, Shay Tobin and Djon Mundine OAM, and in collaboration with Indigenous consultants and community, the artworks represent a commitment to honour our First Nations history and ensure that the stories are uncovered and translated for future generations to learn from.
-
-
Tilt Process
We had the privilege of collaborating with many First Nations artists and knowledge holders across various projects, and this experience informed our approach for Gabrugal Yana, as well as many other Indigenous projects we have worked on.
-
- Consultation
With our deep understanding of working with First Nations artists and Traditional Owners, we supported the artists and consultants to drive the creative outcome and create a meaningful representation of Their stories.
- Fabrication
Our open approach to mediums and methodologies ensured the artwork was driven and interpreted by the artists and provided an opportunity to embed their hand marks in the artwork across all the trees.
- Installation
Our diverse specialist experience across multiple mediums ensured the installation of the tree artefacts was executed seamlessly and with precision and safety at the forefront.
-
-
Tilt Services
- Project Consultation including community engagement
- Feasibility study and prototyping
- Detailed Design including digitising original artwork, CAD modelling and site integration drawings
- Fabrication including shop drawings, procurement and parts assembly
- Installation, site documentation, maintenance manuals and handover
- Project Management
-
-
Outcome
Drawing on First Nations wisdom creates an enriching experience by creating connection to Country, education on Indigenous life and an appreciation for nature. The Gabrugal Yana trees are important investment in ensuring that the Dharug culture continues and provides a learning opportunity for all who travel through the walk.
More about this project:
- Sydney Weekender, Channel 7, 3 March 2024
- Western Sydney Parklands website
-
“Gabrugal Yana is special because it brings people into the bushland, connects you to nature and gives you the opportunity to learn about Dharug culture. “Creating this walk has been a beautiful experience where artists and carvers have worked on Country in the Parklands to share their culture with the broader community.”
– Joshua French, Chief Executive, Greater Sydney Parklands
-
Related projects
-
To see further examples
of our Public Art work,
get in touch.Explore more projects