Heritage Lecture
We invite the Sydney community to join us at free events during the ICOMOS 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (GA2023) that will celebrate and explore our diverse cultural heritage. Delve into the world of heritage at the Heritage Exposition at Darling Harbour and a thought-provoking Heritage Lecture at the iconic Sydney Town Hall. These events provide a rare chance to discover and appreciate our rich cultural legacy.
Heritage Lecture at Sydney Town Hall
- Date: Monday 4 September 2023
- Time: 6-8pm
- Location: Town Hall
- Theme: Living heritage – sites, objects, language, plants and sky
- Audience: Open to the public
- Cost: Free
Join us for a free public event that positions Australian Aboriginal heritage in a global context and learn more about the scope and interconnectedness of living cultural heritage in the southeast region of Australia.
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The southeast region of Aboriginal Australia encompasses New South Wales, Victoria, and the lower parts of South Australia. Long ancestral connections, and subsequent waves of colonisation and resistance bind communities in this region together. It is within this region that some of the world’s most significant sites exist, including what’s understood to be the oldest ceremonial burial, human-made structure, and astronomical observatory—a testament to the endurance of the world’s oldest living culture.
While the southeast region is home to a significant portion of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, it is often overlooked in terms of Aboriginal heritage and culture. Policies, procedures, and acts have at times hindered engagement with and maintenance of cultural activities. In response, communities within the region have developed unique methodologies that preserve ancestral knowledge while revitalising old connections.
Led by Jonathan Jones, a renowned Wiradyuri/Kamilaroi artist and researcher, this talk seeks to draw out living cultural knowledges and explore how southeast communities today are preserving and cherishing knowledge in the face of a highly colonised space.
Speakers
Led by Jonathan Jones, a renowned Wiradyuri/Kamilaroi artist and researcher, this talk seeks to draw out living cultural knowledges and explore how southeast communities today are preserving and cherishing knowledge in the face of a highly colonised space.
Stay tuned for updates on further speakers who will join us for this insightful event.
Jonathan Jones
Host: Jonathan Jones is a Wiradyuri/Kamilaroi artist and researcher. Jones is a researcher at Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney.
Juanita Kelly-Mundine
Juanita Kelly-Mundine is a West Bundjalung woman engaged in cultural heritage conservation and protection of cultural property. Juanita is the First Nations Art Conservator at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Erin Rose
Erin Rose is Gunditjmara from South West Victoria and is a delegate of the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape World Heritage Area, one of the world’s oldest Aquaculture systems. Erin is the Budj Bim World Heritage Executive Officer at Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Cooperation overseeing the management and protection of the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape and its values.
Krystal De Napoli
Krystal De Napoli is a Gomeroi award-winning author, astrophysicist and science communicator devoted to the advocacy of Indigenous knowledges and equity in STEM. Krystal is co-author of Astronomy: Sky Country (2022), winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award People’s Choice Award (2023).
Zena Cumpston
Zena Cumpston is a Barkandji woman who works as a writer, researcher, artist and storyteller. Zena was a co-author of the 2021 State of the Environment Report, working across several chapters and recently co-authored the book 'Plants: past, present and future' as part of the First Knowledges series. She is particularly passionate about plants and the many ways they illuminate the ingenuity and scientific knowledge of her people.
Nathan Brennan
Nathan Brennan is a Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaraay man. He is passionate about Aboriginal language revitalisation and teaching, Aboriginal led land and sea country management and threatened species management. He is part of the Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation, which has been developed to create opportunities for a holistic approach for Gumbaynggirr people to reacquire our land for the continuation of cultural practice, conservation, healing and social and economic development.