On 13th July, Powerhouse Castle Hill hosted a remarkable Family Day celebrating First Nations innovations, made possible with the help of six dedicated volunteers. This event offered a diverse range of activities that immersed visitors of all ages in Indigenous culture:
Weaving with Rhiannon Wright: Visitors had the privilege of learning traditional weaving techniques from Rhiannon Wright and Leanne Watson Redpath, creating emu-feather bracelets and connecting with ancestral craftsmanship. This activity was a volunteer favourite, with volunteers making their own bracelets!
Eco-Dyeing Workshop: First Nations assistant curator Madeline Poll and our incredible volunteers led an educational workshop on eco-dyeing, using natural flora from Dharug country to create vibrant fabrics. Participants explored sustainability and environmental stewardship, themes also reflected in the Alchemy exhibition.
Bliss Ball station with Bush to Bowl: Visitors engaged in a hands-on session creating bliss balls using bush tucker ingredients, learning about their nutritional benefits and relevance in modern diets.
Storytime with Rhiannon Wright: Dharug Custodian Rhiannon Wright mesmerized audiences with storytelling in the Dharug language from the book “Counting,” co-authored by Leanne Watson Redpath. Her storytelling highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous languages.
Kunjil with Muggera: A captivating performance by the Muggera team, blending storytelling, song, dance, and didgeridoo. Kunjil, meaning dance in the Minjungbal language, showcased the cultural richness and artistry of Indigenous traditions.
The volunteers were instrumental in ensuring the event ran smoothly and significantly enriched the experience for every visitor. Their dedication fostered a day full of cultural exploration, creativity, and community connection.
by Karen Griffiths, Volunteer Program Officer