Wadgayawa Nhay Dhadjan Wari (they made them a long time ago) tour

The Library’s new exhibition Wadgayawa Nhay Dhadjan Wari (they made them a long time ago) features significant Aboriginal belongings which were removed from Country over the last 230 years. They have travelled back to Sydney so that Aboriginal communities can reconnect with them and rebuild and share knowledge and understandings about how they were made and used.

The 30 objects have been selected by members of the La Perouse Aboriginal community from five cultural institutions across the United Kingdom. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity for visitors to see traditional objects from Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) and Botany Bay, as well as a few from the Shoalhaven River and Port Stephens regions.

Head of Indigenous Engagement at the Library Damien Webb will guide you through some of the incredible stories behind the show.

Damien Webb is a queer Palawa man (from southeast Tasmania) who has worked in state libraries for the last 10 years, including roles in Western Australia and New South Wales. He previously coordinated the State Library of Western Australia’s ‘Storylines Project’ and has worked with Aboriginal artists, traditional owners and researchers all over Australia.

This tour will meet in the First Nations Gallery (Level 1, Mitchell Building).

Host or Publisher State Library of New South Wales