Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA joined members of Nungarin Community Development Group on Sunday to unveil their latest sign installation recognising Njaki Njaki people as original custodians of the area.
The sign at the front of the former Nungarin Hardware Store is the final installed at strategic locations through the town paying homage to the Njaki Njaki people.
Ms Davies said the project exemplified collaboration of multiple community organisations with the common goal of informing locals and visitors about the history of traditional owners in the Central Wheatbelt.
“The project, initiated and led by the Development Group, grew into a collective vision to make sure people are well informed about the long association and custodianship traditional owners have of these lands,” she said.
“Over the journey it has involved Njaki Njaki elders, community members across the Central Wheatbelt, Bendigo Bank Mukinbudin, the Shire of Nungarin, Nungarin Primary School, Community Resource Centre and the local Community and Men’s Shed.”
The first three signs are fitted on universally accessible tables for public use, constructed by men’s shed members.
They are located at the 5BOD Heritage Machinery and Army Museum, Centennial Walk Trail and Mangowine community sheep dip respectively.
Artwork emblazoned on all four of the signs contain a collage of drawings submitted by Nungarin PS students. They also feature black swans – or maali boronga – the totem animal of Njaki Njaki Nyoongar peoples.
The unveiling was attended by Njaki Njaki elder Reginald Hayden, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Indigenous Affairs Network’s Richard Aspinall and Shire President Eileen O’Connell, among other community members.
Music was performed by Michael Hayden, Kris Hayden and Kris Hayden Jr, while the Njaki Njaki Children’s Dance Group also provided a powerful display of dance.
For media enquiries please contact Mia Davies on 9041 1702 (Merredin office), 9622 2871 (Northam office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au.