The Murrook Culture Centre at Williamtown, has been shortlisted in two categories of the 2024 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
An annual celebration of outstanding practice that recognises excellence in conservation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage, 2024 marks the 30th year of the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
This year’s winners will be announced at the Awards’ ceremony event on Friday 17 May at Doltone House in Pyrmont NSW.
A partnership between Art of Multimedia and Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC), the recently completed Murrook Culture Centre immersive digital interpretation project is a Finalist in two categories of this year’s Heritage Awards: Aboriginal Heritage and the Education and Interpretation categories.
A community-led, cutting-edge digital interpretation experience where Elders personally welcome visitors and share intimate family stories and Worimi history, the bespoke and permanent digital exhibition and experience project captures Country in its splendour, with large-scale interactive cultural stories immersing visitors in Worimi culture and Gathang language.
Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO, Andrew Smith said this immersive experience is a new way to express Aboriginal culture.
“Our culture is living, and what is living? Living is movement, evolution, change by design, so now we can call ourselves Abodigitals instead of Aboriginals,” Andrew siad.
More than 50 rich and diverse heritage projects from across the state feature in the 2024 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards shortlist.
“The high quality of entries created robust discussions between the judges this year,” said Matthew Devine, Chair of the National Trust Heritage Awards Jury.
Devine was joined on the panel by esteemed jurors Ann Toy, Barrina South, Dr Caitlin Allen, David Burdon, Kathryn Pitkin AM, Dr Libby Gallagher and Peter John Cantrill.
Speaking specifically about Murrook Cultural Centre, the 2024 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards judging panel described the project as an innovative and compelling way to demonstrate Aboriginal stories.
“This is very impressive and important self-funded project located right on the tourist trail,” the National Trust Heritage Awards judging panel said.
“Strong local engagement and innovative use of technology has resulted in a truly immersive experience that allows Aboriginal people to tell their own stories.”
CEO of the National Trust (NSW), Debbie Mills, said there was an outstanding number of entries in the 2024 Awards.
“The response to the 30th annual Heritage Awards has been phenomenal. This year we’ve seen a record number of entries. We thank everyone who has entered their incredible work.”
Penny Sharpe, Minister for Heritage, said the incredibly diverse finalist line-up showcases the important work happening across New South Wales to conserve and enhance connection to heritage.
The National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards is a signature event of the Australian Heritage Festival, coordinated annually by the National Trust. The NSW Government through Heritage NSW is principal sponsor of the Australian Heritage Festival and the National Trust Heritage Awards.
IMAGE | Murrook Culture Centre exhibition.
