The most recent stage of Southern Cross University’s involvement in the Wilsons River Experience Walk project has now been completed with the launch of two new ‘story sights’ in Riverside Park, Lismore. The sites are the second in a series that are planned for development along the banks of the Wilsons River.

The sites comprise structures that house a series of large coloured story panels displaying interpretive images and text that relate both to the Indigenous and European riverine cultural heritage of Lismore. The sites have a corresponding kit of promotional materials that include an Education Pack for use by school groups and a 3D calendar.

Widjabul consultant Roy C Gordon with his mother and consultant Elder Aunty June Gordon

Funding for the project comes from the Department of the Environment and Water Resources’ Indigenous Heritage Grant and the Lismore City Council and is a joint initiative of the Council and the University. The project and is an integral element of the larger Wilsons River Redevelopment Project 2005.

The University’s role in the Wilsons River Experience Walk project has been to provide creative and research expertise and, project management through the Office of Regional Engagement. Graphic design and historic research capacity was provided by members of the academic staff who worked closely with independent consultants.

Lismore City Council's Mayor Merv King and Widjabul Custodian Aunty Irene Harrington view the panels after opening story site 2.

Supervised student teams were also involved in a program of oral history recording and videographic documentation carried out as part of a an on-site public consultation named “Conversations by the River”. The collected materials will feed into both subsequent ‘story sight’ research and Richmond River Historical Society records. Throughout the course of the project, close consultation with the local Widjabul community through its custodians and Elders allowed access to traditional knowledge and resources.

The ongoing development of the Wilsons River Experience Walk is adding to the visual amenity of the riverbank area and, as Lismore City Council’s project coordinator Lois Kelly says “…is creating a unique outdoor museum and a place of learning in Lismore …”

Project Graphic Designer and SCU academic Leonie Lane

In terms of the project as an example of bilateral collaboration for the benefit of the community, Gareth Powell from the Indigenous Heritage Management section of the Department of the Environment and Water Resources and who attended the launch says that: 
 “This is an incredibly significant project and one which we would love to see taken up by other councils across Australia,”

Project Manager Anne Hart & Historian Dr Joanna Kijas

“It is the first of its kind in Australia. We have come to record the whole undertaking so we can use it as guide for other communities wanting to embrace and celebrate their Indigenous heritage as well as their European heritage. It presents an holistic historical perspective and I think it adds a great deal of value to the city”. “This is a living example of the essence of reconciliation and something of which the whole region can be proud because when a community is able to embrace its past it can walk proudly into its future.” 

The Widjabul Jarghoon dancers celebrate the launch with a "welcome to country" dance

View the story panels here

View the invitation document (pdf 277k)

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