Gwoonwardu Mia launched two new exhibitions in the permanent exhibition of Burlganyja Wanggaya: Old People Talking 27 May 2023. The two new experiences included an audio exhibit called Untouchable Stories of the Gascoyne and a state-of-the-art touch table which brings to life Gwoonwardu Ganyarra, the swirling waters of the Gascoyne.
Untouchable Stories of the Gascoyne is a unique audio-visual exhibition which allows visitors to listen to incredible stories from Aboriginal elders from each of the five language groups in the Gascoyne. Five elders were interviewed, and their stories recorded to create the moving and thought provoking exhibition that focuses on the their childhood memories and time spent growing up in the region.
Gwen Peck, Betty Fletcher, Bella Randall, John Dale and Thomas Dodd were interviewed by Gwoonwardu Mia curators, Antoinette and Norma Lee throughout 2021 and their stories have now been preserved in this new exhibit.
Each audio recording is accompanied with imagery that brings to life the audio recordings and stories being told. You can enjoy the slideshow of images as they sit back and listen to these personal and special stories. The exhibit was designed and brought to life by renowned designer Scott Watson from Multistory. You can sit and listen to the stories on a headset. It’s a place to reflect, learn and absorb these heartfelt recordings.
The touch table tells the Aboriginal story of two sacred saltwater and freshwater snakes, Bubawari and Jingabirdi and how their relationship affected the land and waterways around the Gascoyne.
About the Elders
GWEN PECK
Language group: baiyungu
Gwen Peck nee Cooyou was born in 1947 at the old Carnarvon Hospital. Gwen’s mother was Nora Cooyou and her father was George Cooyou. Gwen married Stuart Peck. Gwen went to the Church of Christ Native Mission, the other side of the river.
BETTY FLETCHER
Language group: malgana
Betty Fletcher nee Dorey was born at Shark Bay in an old house in 1937 and still remembers her midwife, Nan Weir. Betty’s father was Robert Dorey and her mother was Nancy Winder. Her grandmother on one side was a Poland from Shark Bay and her grandparents on the other, were old Darby and Jane Winder. In 1958, Betty met her husband to be, Gordon Fletcher in Gascoyne Junction. They had four children together, Thomas, Lionel, Ellen and Carol. Betty never left and still lives in Gascoyne Junction.
BELLA RANDALL
Language group: thadgari
Bella Randall was born at Wandagee Station in 1941. Her mother was Dolly Butler, nee Fennell and her father was Joe Butler. Bella married her husband Ernie and they had five children. Her family moved around different stations working. Her husband was a windmill man, fixing them up whenever they were broken. Bella’s work was a bit of mustering, cooking and housework.
JOHN DALE
Language group: Thalanyji
John Dale was the first born of twin boys in 1957 at the Carnarvon District Hospital. His parent’s names were his father Syd Dale, and his mother was Molly Starr. John’s mother was a Yinggarda woman, and his grandmother was Maggie Dodd. His grandfather was Jack Starr.
Thomas Dodd
Language group: Yinggarda
Thomas Dodd was born at Carnarvon Regional Hospital. His parents were Tommy Dodd and Daisy. Thomas grew up amongst his old people, getting knowledge, spiritually and that later he has it all stored and ready to give to our next generation. Thomas grew up on the Carnarvon Reserve near the Gascoyne River. He lived with his family in tin shack. Thomas can speak three different languages as well as English – Yinggarda, Thadgari and Bayungu.