The Story Behind

Burbang Birrang

Ceremonial Journey

This Caring for Country table setting is called Burbang Birrang which means ceremonial journey.

A Burbang is a ceremony or event or an area where these are performed.
Burbang areas are generally made on the ground with raised mounds of dirt in circular rings where these traditions are performed.
Birrang means journey and how to co-exist with your surrounds.

About the Artist, Brett Parker, Billyara

"I come from the Wiradjuri Nation of NSW. Billyara is an Eagle, my totem, my connection with the land. For over 30 years I’ve been an artist and educator in schools and organisations. I’m proud to be an Indigenous artist and to be a part of the oldest living culture in the world."

Brett first met Felton Industries around 18 months ago and was keen to be part of their exciting new project. He began working with Felton and creating his spectacular artworks. Showcasing incredible detail and beauty, Brett’s artworks tell wonderful indigenous stories that are the heart and soul of the Caring for Country Range.

The Burbang Birrang Art

Burbang Birrang Outdoor Setting by Felton Industries

The Fire is at the heart of the circle. The U shapes represent people sitting around the fire

The leaves around the fire lead into tracks which can be seen throughout the artwork

On the right hand side is a red band running the length of the table top. This represents men's business and Aboriginal.

The yellow band on the left hand side running from one end of the table to the other represents women's business Torres Strait Islanders

At either end of the tabletop are cream bands. These represent communities.

Placed on each corner of the tabletop are hands. These are acknowledging Mother Earth

Educational Resources

Video 1: Watch Brett discuss Burbang Birrang with Year 2 Class

Download Lesson Plans and Worksheets

Lesson Plan One Burbang Birrang and Fact Sheet
Use this lesson plan to explore themes of indigenous art and culture from Burbung Birrang
DOWNLOAD LESSON PLAN AND FACT SHEET

Activity Ideas

Indigenous symbols
Create your own artwork using indigenous symbols – use symbol guide to assist you
DOWNLOAD SYMBOL GUIDE
Create a map of your local area
Use traditional Aboriginal art symbols to create a map of your local area. Explain the significance of the natural features you have drawn and what they mean to you.
Indigenous stories
Use the images, people or animals you see in the artwork to write your own story

Video 2: Watch Brett discuss Artefacts with Year 2 Class

Download Lesson Plans and Worksheets

Lesson Plan Two Artefacts and Fact Sheet
Use this lesson plan to explore artefacts
DOWNLOAD LESSON PLAN AND FACT SHEET

Activity Ideas

Artefacts
Draw an artefact you have watched about and decorate it
Design a boomerang
Boomerangs can be used for different activities. Design your own boomerang and outline what it will be used for
Research Artefacts
Research 5 different indigenous artefacts used by First Nations people and describe what they are and what they would be used for