Dyalgala Ngurra (Dyalgala-ma Ngura-dha) / Embrace Country

2024

Public Art

Artist/s: Jason Wing, Maddison Gibbs

Dyalgala Ngurra (Dyalgala-ma Ngura-dha) / Embrace Country is a powerful Public Artwork by Jason Wing & Maddison Gibbs set against the backdrop of native flora and fauna at Smith’s Creek Reserve on Dharawal Country.

The artwork wraps around four colossal, abandoned pipes serendipitously positioned in a gateway to the Reserve. Developed in collaboration with preschoolers and First Nations young people from the Campbelltown community over a series of workshops, the work petitions traditional and ongoing Custodianship of Country.

Featured in the work are the endangered animals who call the reserve home, including the Garilwa (Gah-rill-wah) / Koala, the Gardai (Gah-die) / Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo, Djunidjunudj (joon-idge-ee-noodge oo) / Powerful Owl, jindoola (Gin-doo-lah) / Lace Monitor.

This project was commissioned by Campbelltown City Council, 2024 in partnership with Natural Areas, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Leaping Learners, Clontarf & NASCA. Funded under NSW Government Places to Roam.

Partners: Natural Areas, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Leaping Learners, Clontarf & NASCA

Funding: NSW Government Places to Roam