The Story Behind

Wirimbirra Wirimbirra

To take care of, to preserve or to keep

Wirambirra Wirimbirra is the name of the Caring for Country Bin enclosures which means to take care of, to preserve or to keep.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have lots of different ways of caring for country. One of these ways is was what we call fire stick farming eg. Burning off over grown or dry bush areas for receeding plants. The ash from the fire acts as a fertiliser to create new grazing areas for animals such as kangaroos and emu’s.

Another way of caring for country is clearing water ways and reeds or over grown weeds.

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 Wirimbirra Wirimbirra Art

The Sun is an important part of Indigenous culture. It features in many of our stories, Here the Sun represents a woman lighting a camp fire.

The Moon is also very significant in our culture and has many stories and is used for tides, changes of seasons and different plants and animals. Here it represents the woman carrying a torch.

Clearing water ways and reeds or over grown weeds is a way of caring for rivers and streams.

Fire stick farming includes burning off over grown or dry bush areas. The ash from the fire acts as a fertiliser to create new growth.

The figure or body in the middle represents “Biame, God or creator” and when you look at the stars he’s as big as the Universe.

There are many plants and animals which have specific roles in our stories and culture.

Educational Resources

Video 1: Watch Brett discuss Wirimbirra Wirimbirra with Year 2 Class

Download Lesson Plans and Worksheets

Lesson Plan One Wirimbirra Wirimbirra and Fact Sheet
Use this lesson plan to explore themes of indigenous art and culture from Wirimbirra Wirimbirra
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 Artefact 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
Bark Painting
Create bark paintings using traditional Indigenous colours
Research Artefacts
Research 5 different indigenous artefacts used by First Nations people and describe what they are and what they would be used for