Ancestral Woven Treasures Return Home: Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition Opens at Tweed Regional Gallery

By Jeff Gibbs

A landmark cultural homecoming is set to unfold as the touring Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition arrives at Tweed Regional Gallery, with an official opening event on Saturday, 22 February 2025. This deeply significant exhibition, presented by Arts Northern Rivers and curated by Kylie Caldwell, unites three major regional galleries—Tweed, Lismore, and Grafton—in a powerful showcase of ancestral and contemporary weaving traditions.

For the first time, nine ancestral woven objects from the Australian Museum’s collection will return to Country, exhibited alongside ten newly commissioned works by contemporary Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, and Kamilaroi (Gamilaroi) artists. Drawing upon the wisdom of their great grandmothers, these artists breathe new life into ancient weaving practices, strengthening cultural ties and reviving stories embedded in each meticulously crafted piece.

Among the esteemed weavers and Elders featured are Bindimu, Casino Wake Up Time, Janelle Duncan, Madeleine Grace, Lauren Jarrett, Tania Marlowe, Bianca Monaghan, Krystal Randall, Rhoda Roberts AO, Kyra Togo, and Margaret Torrens—each contributing works that are deeply rooted in heritage, storytelling, and cultural continuity.

Honouring Ancestral Legacies

Tweed Regional Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock described the exhibition as a momentous occasion, reflecting the resilience and vitality of Bundjalung weaving traditions.

“We are privileged to host this significant exhibition. Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali is a powerful reminder of the deep cultural connections embedded in these woven objects and the enduring strength of Bundjalung weaving. It is an honour to bring these ancestral pieces home to Country and to share them with our community,” Ms. Hedgcock said.

Curator and artist Kylie Caldwell highlighted the exhibition’s role in bridging past and present, celebrating an unbroken lineage of cultural knowledge.

“Each weaver’s story is interconnected. There is a shared reverence for the revival and continuation of these ancient practices. This exhibition unites past and present in a way that ensures their survival into the future. These Bundjalung bags will be home for a while—conversing, sharing, informing, inspiring, affirming, and reconnecting with their homelands. It is a profound homecoming that weaves our history into the present,” Ms. Caldwell said.

Dr. Mariko Smith, Head of First Nations Collections & Research at the Australian Museum, underscored the museum’s commitment to cultural reconnection.

“The Australian Museum is honoured to support Bundjalung women in reconnecting with their ancestral woven objects. Lending these exquisite pieces for Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali is deeply significant, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Arts Northern Rivers and the Bundjalung community,” Dr. Smith said.

A Living Tradition: Contemporary Works of Cultural Expression

Among the contemporary works on display is Dili, a creation by multidisciplinary artist Bindimu, whose heritage spans Bundjalung, Gugu Yalanji, Gooreng Gooreng, and Melanesian ancestry.

“The process of weaving a dili begins with the plants and the place, a conscious and cautious collection. This dili embodies the sacredness of this embryonic relationship, a process that intricately weaves together multiple ecosystems,” Bindimu said.

Bundjalung Elder and master weaver Margaret Torrens contributes Place of Tall Pines, a poignant piece crafted from Bangalow palm sheaths and white ochre, inspired by her mother’s homeland of Mallanganee.

“My mother, Aunty Phyllis, was small in stature but stood tall in strength, raising 14 children. Place of Tall Pines honours her memory and our connection to Mallanganee, where we spent our summers swimming in the creek,” Margaret said.

Another highlight of the exhibition is Slumber Party 2022, a collaborative piece by Casino Wake Up Time, commissioned for the 23rd Biennale of Sydney and Create Australia.

Bundjalung/Yaegl artist Krystal Randall presents Dyinda on Country, a work dedicated to the Matriarchs of her lineage, woven from raffia, emu feathers, and paper cortege.

“These pieces represent Matriarchs on Country. I envisioned them wearing these woven cultural adornments during ceremonies, dancing, and guiding the younger generation in the ways of weaving,” Ms. Randall said.

Arts and cultural leader Rhoda Roberts AO contributes Continuous Persistence, a piece woven from Lomandra grass harvested on Country.

“Weaving is more than art; it’s a rhythm, a continuum. It is something crafted from the provisions of Country. We have come full circle to the old ways—where our grandmothers once gathered under the trees, weaving. Now, as I sit with our children beneath the dappled shade, I am reminded that every leaf and every star is an ancestor,” Ms. Roberts said.

A Community-Led Cultural Reclamation

The Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali Exhibition and its accompanying book celebrate First Nations women’s weaving traditions, ensuring the preservation and transmission of this invaluable cultural practice. By sharing interwoven stories across three regional galleries, the exhibition plays a vital role in safeguarding an unbroken lineage of ancestral knowledge.

The exhibition will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from 22 February 2025 to 27 April 2025.

Weaving Workshop and Bushfood Tasting

• Sunday 30 March 2025 | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• Experience the rich traditions of natural fibre weaving with Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali weavers and Delta Kay, complemented by a tasting of local bushfoods. All materials included.
• General Admission: $70
• Friends & Foundation Members: $65
• Subsidised spots available for First Nations participants (please contact tweedart@tweed.nsw.gov.au).
• Bookings essential: events.humanitix.com/wwbt

As Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali returns woven treasures to Country, it fosters a deeper understanding of the enduring strength of First Nations culture—a story interwoven with resilience, identity, and an unbreakable connection to land, spirit, and heritage.

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Artists in Focus: Tweed Regional Gallery Launches Autumn Exhibitions

By Robert Heyward

The Tweed Regional Gallery is set to celebrate the start of its Autumn program with the launch of three exciting new exhibitions on Friday, 14 February. Showcasing the talents of Gadigal/Sydney-based artist Minghua Xiang and regional artists Zion Levy Stewart and Dawn Walker, the exhibitions explore themes of life, connection, and creativity through unique artistic lenses.

Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock described the program as a vibrant reflection of artistic diversity and personal storytelling.

“We are delighted to showcase these immensely talented artists, each offering a deeply personal and unique perspective on life and connection,” Ms. Hedgcock said. “We encourage everyone to visit, experience these works firsthand, and celebrate the incredible talent on display.”

Finding Harmony in Hope – Minghua Xiang

Minghua Xiang, recipient of the 2024 Tweed Regional Gallery National Art School (NAS) Master of Fine Art Residency Award, will present his solo exhibition Finding Harmony in Hope, the culmination of his residency at the Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio.

Xiang’s work bridges traditional Eastern and Western aesthetics, blending gestural mark-making and abstraction to evoke a sense of interconnectedness. His layered paintings reflect the ancient Chinese proverb: “Harmony is most precious.”

Minghua Xiang at the Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio in 2024 Photograph- Aaron Chapman

Life is Art – Zion Levy Stewart

Regional artist Zion Levy Stewart will showcase his joyful and heartwarming acrylic paintings in Life is Art, chronicling his 25-year journey as an artist. Known for his infectious personality and vibrant creativity, Levy Stewart’s works capture a whimsical world of quirky people, birds, and animals, inviting viewers to see life through his unique lens.

“Zion’s art is a beacon of positivity,” said his mother, Christine Levy. “It has the capacity to spread joy, bring happiness, and put smiles on people’s faces like a sunrise.”

Levy Stewart, who lives with Up Syndrome (commonly referred to as Down Syndrome), was a finalist in the 2022 Wollumbin Art Award (WAA) at Tweed Regional Gallery.

Porcelain Places – Dawn Walker

Dawn Walker builds upon her previous work in the 2022 and 2024 Wollumbin Art Awards with her exhibition Porcelain Places. Through delicate oil paintings, Walker explores the nostalgic beauty of antique souvenirs from the Tweed and surrounding regions, presenting serene landscapes and intimate still lifes that offer new meaning to these treasured keepsakes.

Walker’s work reflects both the charm of the souvenirs and the deep connection they evoke to place and memory.

Dawn Walker, Swan souvenir 2024, oil on canvas, 28.5 x 23.5 cm, Image courtesy the artist © The artist

Opening Night and Public Programs

The Autumn exhibitions will officially open on Friday, 14 February with doors opening at 6 pm. Guests are invited to enjoy a pre-event drink on the Apex Dining balcony, followed by opening speeches at 6.15 pm.

• Finding Harmony in Hope will be on display from 14 February to 22 June 2025.
• Life is Art and Porcelain Places will be open from 14 February to 4 May 2025.
• Bookings are essential via Humanitix for the opening event.

Gallery Playdate: Creative Fun for Children

• Date: Wednesday, 5 March | Time: 9 am – 10 am
• Program: A fun, free session for children aged 3–5 years and their carers, inspired by Dawn Walker’s Porcelain Places. Activities include sensory play, storytime, and guided artmaking for young creative minds.
• Bookings essential via Humanitix.

For more information and event details, visit the Tweed Regional Gallery website.

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Greens Dental Plan Gains Key Support in Northern Rivers

By Jeff Gibbs

The Greens’ proposal to extend Medicare to cover dental care has received a significant endorsement from Murwillumbah’s leading dentist, Dr. Dan Johnston. As the chief dentist and owner of Biltoft Dental, the region’s oldest dental practice, Dr. Johnston says the plan could offer substantial benefits to the community.

“My personal view is that this is a good idea,” Dr. Johnston said.

The Greens’ proposal builds on the existing Child Dental Benefits Scheme, which provides free dental care to eligible children. The new plan would extend this to include adults, addressing a major gap in affordable dental services.

“The child dental scheme has been really good for young patients who qualify,” Dr. Johnston explained. “But for adults, the cost of living is currently a huge problem.”

National surveys highlight the financial barrier to dental care, with over half of Australians without health insurance delaying or avoiding visits due to cost concerns.

With polls predicting a close federal election, the possibility of Labor forming a minority government is increasing. This could create an opportunity for the Greens to push for dental care to be included in Medicare, much like their success in securing the children’s dental program during the last Labor-Greens alliance.

“If I’m elected, I look forward to working with Labor and independents to bring dental into Medicare and make it affordable for everyone,” said Mandy Nolan, the Greens candidate for Richmond. Nolan, who needs just a 1.8% swing to win, emphasised the importance of accessible dental care for all Australians.

Mandy Nolan and Murwillumbah Dentist Dr. Dan Johnston discuss the Greens plan to make dental care part of Medicare.

A Growing Push for Change

The push for expanding Medicare to cover dental services has been gaining momentum. Associate Professor Matt Hopcraft, from the University of Melbourne’s Dental School, is among the experts advocating for change.

“Dental problems are a leading cause of preventable hospitalisations,” Hopcraft said. “Improving dental care can save money by reducing hospital admissions, lowering the cost of related diseases, and boosting productivity with healthier workers. It’s a fundamental misunderstanding to separate dental care from overall healthcare—they are absolutely intertwined.”

The Greens’ universal dental care plan is costed at $14 billion per year, with funding proposed through a new “Robin Hood” tax on large corporations.

“In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to see a dentist,” Nolan said. “Let’s get this dental work done.”

The Road Ahead

While Labor has long supported the principle of expanding Medicare to include dental, it has not prioritised the issue in its current platform. However, support from Greens, independents, and some Labor backbenchers could tip the balance in a minority government scenario.

“This is an achievable goal if the balance of power shifts,” Hopcraft added. “We’ve got national inquiries, growing public support, and more voices in the profession calling for change. The time to act is now.”

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Celebrate Our Olympic Heroes at the Tweed Regional Museum Street Party!

Join us in Murwillumbah on Saturday, 31 August, as we roll out the red carpet for our Tweed Olympic athletes at the Tweed Regional Museum’s epic Street Party celebrations!

We’re thrilled to welcome home two of the Tweed’s Olympic stars—marathon swimmer and silver medallist Moesha Johnson, and fellow swimmer Isabella Rose Millar, who proudly represented the Solomon Islands in Paris.

As we kick off the Paralympics, we’re also honoured to host former Paralympic champion Tracy Lee Barrell OAM, who won two gold medals at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Tracy, a triple congenital amputee and Paralympic swimmer, is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities in the Tweed.

Event Highlights

• Welcome to Our Athletes: Moesha, Isabella, and Tracy will join the Street Party right after the official Welcome to Country at 12:30 pm. Don’t miss your chance to meet these inspiring athletes, ask them questions, get autographs, and snap photos with your local heroes.
• Olympic Village Marquee: A special Olympic Village marquee, complete with a winners’ podium, will be set up for the kids to enjoy some Olympic-themed fun!

Street Party Extravaganza

The Olympian welcome is just one part of the action-packed Street Party 2024, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the award-winning Tweed Regional Museum. Thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, Queensland Road in front of the Museum will be closed for the event, running from 12 pm to 7 pm.

Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

• Live Music and Flash Dance Mobs: Enjoy a stellar lineup of live performances and spontaneous dance mobs that will keep the energy high throughout the afternoon.
• Swamp Beer Garden & Makers Lane: Sip on local brews in the Swamp Beer Garden or explore Makers Lane, featuring creative public art and local artisans.
• Going Bananas: From 12 pm to 5 pm, the Tweed Valley Banana Festival Float is back, complete with a regal throne and four fabulous Banana Queens. Enjoy photo ops, chat with the Queens, and indulge in all things banana!
• Six Seasons Cultural Calendar and Connection to Country: Drop by from 1 pm to 5 pm for insightful yarns with Uncle Franc, a Bundjalung elder from the Minyangbal language group, and explore the adaptive Cultural Calendar.
• Adventure Game: Kids, grab your Game Card and embark on an adventure throughout the Museum and Street Party. Discover hidden stories, contribute to chalk murals, and more.
• Story Salon at the Museum on Wheels: From 12 pm to 5 pm, join the Story Salon for a modern twist on French salons! Delve into conversations with the Murwillumbah Historical Society, explore local history, and contribute to a collaborative story using old typewriters.
• Tweed Tales Trivia: Tall or True?: Test your knowledge of Tweed’s history from 18+ with fantastic prizes up for grabs. Can you tell a tall tale from the truth?

To learn more, visit the Tweed Regional Museum website or follow us on social media. For the full program, register at Tweed Regional Museum Street Party.

Let’s celebrate our local heroes and the vibrant history of the Tweed region together!

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Northern Rivers Safe Havens Extended Until End of 2025

By Robert Heyward

Residents of the Northern Rivers region will continue to have access to vital mental health support and counselling services, thanks to the extension of all four Safe Havens across the area until December 2025. These Safe Havens, located in Lismore, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, and Woodburn, offer free, compassionate, and non-clinical mental health support for adults in a welcoming “drop-in” environment.

Originally commissioned in 2022 by Healthy North Coast as part of the NSW Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Package, the Safe Havens were established in response to the devastating floods that hit the Northern Rivers region. Since their inception, these centres, operated by The Buttery, have provided over 15,600 hours of counselling to more than 14,400 participants.

The extension was announced by The Hon Rose Jackson, Minister for Mental Health and North Coast, during a visit to the Mullumbimby Safe Haven. She emphasised the importance of these services to the community, particularly in the aftermath of the region’s recent natural disasters.

“The mental health and wellbeing of every individual is a top priority, and the NSW Government is committed to improved mental health outcomes on the North Coast. The extension of these four Safe Haven sites is crucial—they’ve been embraced by the Northern Rivers community not just for the expert mental health support they provide, but as safe and welcoming spaces during times of disruption,” Minister Jackson said. “We are pleased to keep these services running until the end of 2025.”

Safe Haven Northern Rivers – Photo sourced from Safe Haven North Coast

Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, highlighted the ongoing need for these services: “More than 700 people connected with the Safe Havens during June alone, showing us that these services are still essential for the community. With floods and droughts expected to increase in intensity and frequency, it is vitally important that Safe Haven services remain available to those still feeling the impact of the 2022 flood events.”

Healthy North Coast, in collaboration with the NSW Government, has adjusted service activities under the funding agreement to ensure the Safe Havens will remain open until 31 December 2025. These sites will continue to offer both clinical and non-clinical support to the community from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Leone Crayden, CEO of The Buttery, expressed her gratitude for the extension, noting the importance of the Safe Havens to the community. “It is welcome news that we can continue to keep the doors open at the four Safe Haven sites until 31 December 2025. The counselling and wellbeing support have been very well received, and our co-location agreements with other providers allow the community to access additional support for housing, flood recovery, and social activities such as local BBQs or network meetings. Safe Havens offer a place to connect, which is important for wellbeing.”

Dee, a Peer Worker at one of the Safe Havens, echoed these sentiments: “It’s great news that the Safe Havens are being continued in the heavily flood-affected communities we work in. Mental health services are both valued and needed. The drop-in, no-appointment-needed space that people can access without referral is a refreshing and much-needed approach in mental health, especially with the easy access to Peer Workers.”

For more information, visit safehavennc.org.au or visit your community’s Safe Haven:

• Lismore | 46 Magellan Street (next to Lismore Regional Gallery)
• Mullumbimby | 15 Tincogan Street (Behind the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre)
• Murwillumbah | Shop 10-12/41-45 Murwillumbah Street
• Woodburn | 114 River Street

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