Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Media Release, 14 October 2024
Australian Museum touring exhibition The Birds of Australia STORYBOX ”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹is a captivating digital, outdoor installation that will be in Town Green from Wednesday 16 October. This interactive 3D storytelling cube brings to life the iconic bird illustrations of John and Elizabeth Gould. Their detailed depictions, combined with First Nations storytelling and knowledge, offer a rich, immersive experience that highlights the deep cultural significance of birds in Australia.
The Story of the STORYBOX – Thursday 24 October, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Port Macquarie Library. Free.
In this special event, our expert panel will focus on ‘out of the archives and into the digital age’, a behind-the-scenes discussion of how the Australian Museum Gould collection – via STORYBOX – moved from archives to concept to roadshow. The event will also feature a replica volume showcasing the artistry of Elizabeth Gould, celebrated bird artist and wife of John Gould. The original plates, based on Elizabeth’s field sketches from the Goulds’ Australian journey, were hand-painted in London. The replica volume, usually held in the Australian Museum’s Rare Books Collection, offers a tactile, hands-on experience of the Goulds’ ambitious bird project.
And, in embracing all things Gould, do you still have your Gould League of Bird Lovers badge? We invite you to wear it and share your memories of this popular Australian program that was launched in 1909.
Register for the event here.
Culture, Connection & Collections – Friday 25 October, 1:00 pm, CSU Theatre. Lunchtime lecture, free.
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the intersection of collections, storytelling, and the cultural significance of birdlife in Australia. This event brings together leading experts from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds to discuss the powerful role of collections in shaping our understanding of Australia’s rich birdlife and heritage.
Panellists:
- Dr Vanessa Finney, Head of World Cultures, Archives & Library, Australian Museum
- Dr Sarah Barns, strategist, writer, researcher, and consultant, Studio ESEM
- Dr Anke Frank, lecturer in ecology, Charles Sturt University
- Dr John Heath, senior Birripai-Goori historian and author of Goori-Bugg Dreaming
- Dr Rhonda Radley, Birrbay-Dhanggati woman and educator in Aboriginal languages, cultures, and history
This engaging discussion will delve into the importance of storytelling and collections from academic and cultural perspectives, offering insights into the deep connection between birdlife and Australia’s history, environment, and Indigenous culture.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the profound ways in which culture, connection, and collections intersect. Free event – all are welcome!
Presented in partnership with Charles Sturt University. Register for this event here,
Hoot, hoot! – Gathang language treasure hunt, October 20 – 27, free
To coincide with NSW Aboriginal Languages Week, take your family on a fun adventure to find 10 ‘bird words’. Using our walking tour map or Free Guides app, discover the local Gathang language name for 10 Australian birds that feature in the original 19th Century Gould sketches.
Start your adventure at STORYBOX, Town Green and search for all 10 posters, with one on display at each location. Great prizes to be won! This discovery activity is delivered in partnership with local language group, Djuyulga Wakulda.
Other free events
We’re also running bird-inspired Painting in the Park sessions for seniors, all abilities and kids and a program of summer arts and crafts activities at Town Green. Let your creativity soar!!! Take a look.
Get in touch
If you have an interest in the arts, culture or creative industries and have an event, idea or story, please get in touch with our community activation team via cultural.development@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.
