More than a Fish Kill explores how artists, fishery managers and First Nations custodians came together in the aftermath of devastating fish kills along the Barka/Baaka (Darling River) and turned these ecological disasters into catalysts for cultural connection and revival.
On Sunday, October 15, 2023, the National Museum of Australia hosted to a Community Day to celebrate the waterways of the Murray Darling River system. The event included art, music, storytelling, and performances, all aimed at delving into the heart of Australian river landscapes. The day also coincided with the launch of Living on the Edge: Caring for Australia’s Threatened Places.
Living on the Edge serves as an exploration of eight critical ecological communities in Australia. Each of these communities represents a thriving and interconnected world of unique flora and fauna, deeply entwined with the well-being of local the population. Unfortunately, these ecosystems now face threats such as habitat loss, invasive species, resource exploitation, pollution, and the looming impact of climate change.
The main hall of the Museum featured a temporary art installation. This innovative exhibit featured cardboard representations of the river, the land, and its diverse plant and animal inhabitants, effectively creating an interpretive river ecosystem. Artists from the Murray Darling region, including local creatives from the New England North West area, were invited to share their own connection to the river system by creating artwork on cardboard cut outs of straw-necked ibises and long-necked turtles for the installation. These two species were selected to represent the Gwydir region of the river system.
Prior to the event, Arts North West announced the names of the local artists who contributed artworks: Tania Hartigan, Waabii Chapman-Burgess, Jodie Herden, Tess Herden, Wendy Thompson, Penne Fraser, Joanne Stead, Amanda Gwalter, Gomeroi Yinaar, Amy Hammond, Gomeroi Miyay Milaan Sutherland, Kayleb Waters-Sampson, Lisa Almagro, Jess Tribe, Awan Everleigh, Moree Yarn Bombers, Moral Lackley, Violet Betts, and Jodie White.
The River Country Community Day closed with the premiere screening of the documentary "More Than A Fish Kill," followed by a panel discussion hosted by ABC RN's Natasha Mitchell.
For additional details, please visit https://www.nma.gov.au/whats-on/living-on-the-edge-river-country-community-day.
Gallery of contributed artwork:
