Brother Bundjil to soar bright and beautiful over Geelong’s cultural precinct this NAIDOC Week

An animated projection of the Wadawurrung creator spirit Bundjil is set to soar over Country at Ryrie Street each evening during NAIDOC Week, as part of Barwon Water’s celebration of Blak excellence.

Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker’s vibrant artwork is titled Koki Bundjil, meaning “Brother Bundjil” in Wadawurrung language.

Originally created as a giant inflatable art piece for the recent White Night Ballarat, Koki Bundjil will be visible from outside Barwon Water’s Ryrie Street headquarters from 5pm-11pm throughout NAIDOC Week, which runs from Sunday 7 July to Sunday 14 July.

Ms Oldaker’s vibrant original artwork has been brought to life, with wings flapping in a kaleidoscope of bright colours, thanks to an animation created by Laura Alice.

The animated artwork will be displayed in a projection from the Barwon Water forecourt onto the blank canvas of the State Government offices – commonly known as the “upside down building”.

Ms Oldaker is a Traditional Owner and visual artist whose murals, installations and designs operate under the name Murrup Art. Murrup is a Wadawurrung word meaning “spirit”.

Known for her use of bright, contemporary colours to create unique and vibrant artworks, it is through her art that she expresses her deep connection and love for her Aboriginal culture, Country and heritage.

Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming said Barwon Water was proud to once again support NAIDOC Week with projections on its Ryrie Street headquarters.

“We’re particularly excited this year to have the opportunity to share Jenna’s artwork, which aligns with our vision for reconciliation.

“This vision is of a community that celebrates and protects the ongoing cultural and spiritual connections of First Nations peoples to the land on which we live and work, and on the water on which we rely.

“This really comes through in Jenna’s amazing Koki Bundjil artwork, and I’m grateful she’s allowed us to project it onto our building during NAIDOC Week.”

Wadawurrung man and Barwon Water First Nation Values Department Head Greg Robinson said NAIDOC Week was a time of celebration for First Nations people and Barwon Water, along with other organisations nearby, was leading the way in creating space for that celebration.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to immerse themselves in First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

“Jenna’s artwork, focussing as it does on our creator spirit Bundjil, brings our ancient stories and culture to life in an exciting new way. I encourage everyone to make the time to view it if they can.”

Ms Oldaker said she created the artwork as a celebration “of our beautiful Wadawurrung Country, as we embrace our Country home”.

“Bundjil the eagle is the spirit creator of Wadawurrung Country, as we live by Bundjil’s lore to take care of one another, to have no greed and do no harm.

“In this artwork, Bundjil can be seen flying high over Wadawurrung land, as we send thanks to him for continuing to watch over us since his creation.

“This artwork is a representation of my own kinship guide, my brother Ben, as he takes on the form of our spirit protector.”

Ms Oldaker said she felt as though her art came from her Ancestors and their spirits.

“I am sharing our culture, our stories and our spirit through my artwork, and to be able to do so is such a gift.

“I hope this comes through when people see Koki Bundjil projected from Barwon Water’s Ryrie Street headquarters forecourt during NAIDOC Week.”

Mr Cumming said with Reconciliation Week not long past and NAIDOC Week approaching created another opportunity to reflect on where we’ve come from and where we need to go.

“As well as celebrating First Nation’s culture, I will be reflecting on both my personal reconciliation journey and that of Barwon Water during the week. I’m so grateful for the patience and generosity of Traditional Custodians in sharing Knowledge about Country and Water and in their willingness for us to walk with them.”

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year's theme – “Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud” – celebrates the unyielding spirit of First Nations communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

For more, see www.naidoc.org.au/

Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker and Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming in the Barwon Water forecourt.