Mapping Boodja: Learn more about the ancient Noongar names in Melville

Step inside Doontanboro Kura | Melville Waters Dreaming with the project’s artistic team. You’ll be taken on a guided tour of the large-scale map created during the project, depicting the locations of Noongar placenames using iconography drawn from Noongar culture. Playing with the map, you’ll take a deep dive into the meanings of these ancient placenames and learn about the stories and traditions embedded in the Melville area. 

You’ll also get to experience the dramatic projection of a large-scale animation, telling the story of Wagoorjup’s creation by the Waugal (Rainbow Serpent).

Presented as part of the Doontanboro Kura | Melville Waters Dreaming exhibition.

Designed to centre and celebrate Noongar language, the artworks in Doontanboro Kura have been created collaboratively by Noongar Elders, Traditional Owners and community members during the Place Names Melville project.

At the centre of the exhibition is a large-scale, handmade map of the Melville area that features the locations of 17 Noongar placenames, layered with traditional Noongar iconography. Alongside handcrafted works, animations and soundscapes immerse the visitor in Noongar language, culture and stories.

All guests are warmly invited to join us for refreshments and a feed.

Learn more about Doontanboro Kura and the Place Names Melville project. >> https://www.can.org.au/community/place-names-melville/melville-phase-ii

Place Names Melville was produced by Community Arts Network, Moodjar and the City of Melville, and funded by Lotterywest.