A year-long journey of cultural learning, environmental restoration and community connection has culminated in the launch of the Weaving Waterways public artwork at Echuca’s Aquatic Reserve. The project brought together Elders, weavers, artists, environmental educators, schools, preschools and community members in a shared effort to strengthen connections to Country and care for local waterways.
Weaving Waterways has been led by Yorta Yorta Elder and Master Weaver Aunty Denise Morgan-Bulled and Yorta Yorta artist-fabricator Jesse Lee Cooper. The project celebrates the deep cultural significance of weaving and the enduring connection between people, waterways and Country.
Over the past 12 months, the project has delivered a range of cultural and environmental activities designed to engage people of all ages. A key milestone was the community reed planting program, which saw local students work alongside Elders, Parks and Gardens staff, Njernda Youth, NSW Parks and Wildlife and Woka Walla to plant 500 native reeds at Aquatic Reserve. Dianella and Basket Sedge were selected for their environmental value and their long history as weaving materials used by First Peoples along this stretch of the river.
The project also extended cultural learning opportunities to some of the region’s youngest residents through the Kinders Big Day Out on Country program. Co-designed with Berrimba Child Care Centre and supported by Elders and community members, the day introduced approximately 60 children to Yorta Yorta and Wollithica culture through storytelling, bushcraft, clay play, reed planting and language activities, helping foster an early connection to Country and community.
The centrepiece of the project is the newly unveiled public artwork at Aquatic Reserve. A true replica of one of Aunty Denise’s woven baskets, the sculpture reflects the act of weaving as a way of storytelling, knowledge-sharing and strengthening relationships between people, land and water. Its design symbolises the interconnected nature of waterways and communities, creating a lasting place for reflection, learning and celebration.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said the project demonstrated the power of partnerships in creating meaningful cultural and environmental outcomes.
“Weaving Waterways has created opportunities for people of all ages to connect with Country, learn from respected Elders and play an active role in caring for our waterways.
“From reed planting and cultural education programs to the creation of this beautiful public artwork, the project has strengthened community connections while helping ensure important cultural knowledge is shared with future generations.
“Council is proud to support initiatives that celebrate First Peoples culture, foster understanding and create lasting benefits for our community.”
Aunty Denise Morgan-Bulled said the project represented both cultural renewal and environmental stewardship.
“Weaving is more than making baskets. It is about passing on stories, knowledge and connections to Country”.
“Seeing young people and children learning about the reeds, the waterways and the cultural practices that have existed for generations has been incredibly important. This artwork stands as a reminder of those connections and the responsibility we all share to care for Country.”
The launch event brought together community members, Elders, artists, schools and project partners to celebrate the culmination of the program and acknowledge the many people who contributed to its success. The event also featured cultural performances, weaving activities and opportunities for the community to continue learning about the significance of weaving and caring for local wetland environments.
As a permanent feature of the Aquatic Reserve, the sculpture invites people of all backgrounds to gather, learn and connect with the shared stories, cultural heritage and environmental values of this place, while reflecting on the collective responsibility to care for Country for future generations.
