Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism

La Trobe University and Djaa Djuwima presents

Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism

18 June* until 21 September 2026
*Open to the public from 19 June 2026

What does it mean to hold Indigenous cultural material?

Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism invites visitors to explore this important question through a unique exhibition bringing together Indigenous artworks, cultural objects and stories from health, education and community organisations across Victoria, alongside significant works from the La Trobe University collections.

Presented by La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University's School of Education and Office of Indigenous Strategy and Education, in partnership with Djaa Djuwima Gallery and the City of Greater Bendigo, the exhibition challenges traditional approaches to collecting and displaying Indigenous cultural materials.

Rather than viewing these objects as static artefacts or symbols of inclusion, Beyond Symbolism repositions them as living holders of knowledge, responsibility, relationship and connection to Country.

The exhibition features bark paintings, stone tools, message sticks, possum skin cloaks, woven works and contemporary artworks, each carrying stories of culture, identity, community and continuity. Together, these works encourage visitors to reflect on the responsibilities that come with cultural custodianship and the role institutions can play in supporting meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples and communities.

Resources

View the full Exhibition Catalogue here

View the Professional Learning for Health Professionals PDF here

View the Professional Learning for Teachers PDF here

Listen to the Podcast (listen on the Podbean App)

Podcast: In this episode of Billabongs Not Silos, Associate Professor Scott Alterator and Dr Karen Annett explore the stories behind Beyond Symbolism, an exhibition challenging organisations to rethink how Indigenous cultural materials are held, understood and cared for.

Together, they discuss the responsibilities that come with cultural custodianship, the complex histories of institutional collections, and the importance of reconnecting objects with community, Country and cultural knowledge. From bark paintings and stone tools to contemporary artworks, the conversation examines how institutions can move beyond symbolic inclusion towards meaningful relationships, accountability and Indigenous-led approaches to care and stewardship.

This thoughtful discussion invites listeners to consider what it means to hold Indigenous cultural material and how we can all contribute to ensuring these stories, connections and responsibilities remain living and active.

About Djaa Djuwima

Djaa Djuwima means to ‘show, share Country’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language and is an important and integral space for our First Nations community across City of Greater Bendigo - it's a space for all First Nations artist to exhibit no matter where they are on their journey from emerging artists through to well-established artists. It creates a dialogue across our wider community and uplifts and empowers the voices of First Nations peoples.

Djaa Djuwima is open 9am to 4.30pm (except Christmas Day) and is located at the Bendigo Visitor Centre, 51-67 Pall Mall. Entry is free.