Our Place
Wouldn't it be great if you could see videos of the Aboriginal stories that relate to where you live, just by going to your local council's website?
This project researched and produced some short films that celebrate Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Hornsby Shire.
Inspiring, moving and relevant for all Australians, and in particular:
- schools
- universities
- local government
- community groups
- residents of the Hornsby Shire.
Members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are respectfully advised that these films may contain images and voices of deceased people.
Sheltered from the rain in a stunning cave near Canoelands, Aboriginal community elder Uncle Wes Marne tells the story of the Rainbow Serpent. You'll never guess how the different coloured ochres were made!
Darug Elder Aunty Edna Watson explains how Devil’s Rock near Maroota got its name. Her granddaughter Krystal continues to keep the traditional culture alive, and gives her own welcome in language.
The Our Place project involved a partnership between ARIES, Hornsby Shire Council, the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation and the Guringai Tribal Link Aboriginal Corporation to research some of the traditional stories associated with the Hornsby Shire area.
Photographer Amanda James and film-maker Maya Newell brought these stories to life by creating these special films about the local stories as told by descendants of the Darug and Guringai peoples and community elders.
The films are showcased on the Hornsby Shire Council website so all local residents can learn about and appreciate the traditional stories that relate to where they live. We are proud that these films contribute to:
- a greater understanding and connection between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people
- a strengthened sense of belonging and pride of local Aboriginal people in their cultural heritage
- an increased knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the traditional Aboriginal stories associated with specific areas within the Hornsby Shire.
ARIES was funded by the Australian Government's Indigenous Heritage Program to deliver this project which aims to increase knowledge of traditional stories within the Hornsby local government area. (The beautiful images shown here were taken by Amanda James for this project.)