affiliate partners
The Bridge Arts Project is being planned closely with our affiliates:
- Yorta Yorta Nation
- C4EM Committee For Echuca Moama
- Campaspe Shire
- Murray Shire
- Echuca Moama Arts Initiative
- Murray Regional Tourism
- Major Road Projects Victoria (Vic Roads)
local business support
The following businesses have offered their pro-bono support during the initial planning phase of the project:
- Stubberfields Accountants
- Dawes and Vary Lawyers
- Brandrick Architects
- Clive Atkinson Partnership Pty. Ltd.
- PictureBook Photographics
- Hayley Lawton Creative Services
about yorta yorta nation & clans
The name of the Association is Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, reflecting the Yorta Yorta language spoken by all the Yorta Yorta clans, including the following clans:
- Kaitheban
- Wollithiga
- Moira
- Ulupna
- Bangerang
- Kwat Kwat
- Yalaba Yalaba
- Ngurai-illiam-wurrung
The Yorta Yorta Nation is comprised of peoples with undeniable bloodlines to the Original Ancestors of the Land of the Yorta Yorta Nation. These bloodlines link Yorta Yorta peoples’ past, present and future to one another, with traditional laws, customs, beliefs and sovereignty intact.
Since 27 November 1998, YYNAC is incorporated under the Commonwealth Aboriginal Councils Association Act 1976. YYNAC is established, amongst other objectives, to represent the members of the Family Groups who are descendants of the Original Ancestors of the Yorta Yorta peoples; to acknowledge those Original Ancestors of the Yorta Yorta peoples; to make decisions and act on any matters of significance to the Yorta Yorta peoples; and to enter into agreements with any person, Government agency or authority in relation to the protection of Yorta Yorta country.
The YYNAC is governed by the Governing Committee and the Elders Council comprised of 16 Yorta Yorta persons for each representative constituent. The Chief Executive Officer manages the day-to-day operations of the organisation, cultural heritage officers, researchers and administrative personnel.
(Information above sourced from the YYNAC official website )
THE YORTA YORTA NATION - ORIGINS & CONNECTIONS
The Yorta Yorta Nation traces its origins back to the time of creation which has become immortalised as the ‘eternal Dreaming’. It was during this period that traditional based rights to land, heritage, water and cultural identity were sanctified and, like the river systems, continue to flow to the Yorta Yorta people as inherent rights. The extensive river networks served as major focal points for community life. Archaeological evidence indicates that there have always been natural and cultural changes taking place, from which adaption and cultural continuity have been the outcomes. The arrival of Europeans, however, has intensified the extent of change, but the Yorta Yorta have adapted and continue to flourish as a vibrant living culture. They totally reject the notion that their connections have been washed away by ‘tide of history’ euphemisms and reassert their position as the traditional occupants and owners of the lands inherited from their ancestors. Reconciling the unfinished business of land justice and reaching a position of real effective and genuine reconciliation, together with the search for common ground in the creation and management of the Barmah-Millewa National Park Wetlands, are the challenges that confront all parties in the region.
(Information above sourced from Dr Wayne Atkinson's website)
words of encouragement
"The Yorta Yorta Nation being the traditional owners of the region are keenly interested in social inclusion and contributing to the economical development for the region. We clearly see this project as presenting an opportunity to develop much needed partnerships in the local community."
Neville Atkinson,
Chairperson 2012 - Yorta Yorta Nation.
www.yynac.com.au
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Dear Barry
I am delighted to hear of your exciting initiative in Echuca Moama. The surrounds of the new Murray river crossing would seem to be an ideal location for an outdoor gallery that features art that captures Aboriginal history... pre and post colonisation.
Such a facility would be an ideal addition to the local cultural, educational and artistic attractions thereby boosting tourism in the region and the local economy. Promoted properly it should attract the attention of national and international visitors. No doubt you have the support and cooperation with the local indigenous custodians. If so you should be congratulated you on your vision and passion for indigenous cultural tourism.
Wishing you every success with this most worthwhile project.
Adrian Newstead
Coo-ee Aboriginal Art Gallery Bondi Beach www.cooeeart.com.au
Australian Indigenous Art Market www.aiam100.com
Adrian Newstead co-founded Coo-ee Aboriginal Art Gallery, Australia’s oldest continuously operating Aboriginal art gallery, in 1981. He is a valuer of Aboriginal and contemporary Australian art accredited by the Federal Department of the Arts, and acted as the Head of Aboriginal Art for Lawson~Menzies Auction House 2003-2006, and Managing Director of Menzies Art Brands 2007-2008. Adrian Newstead Fine Art Consultancy acts for, and advises, collectors when buying and selling collectable Australian artworks at auction and through private sale. A widely published arts commentator and author, Adrian is based in Bondi, New South Wales. Adrian currently acts as the President of the Art Consulting Association of Australia.
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Dear Barry and the Bridge Arts Committee Steering Committee,
On behalf of the board, I congratulate your commitment and vision to develop Echuca Moama as one of regional Australia’s most innovative and active tourism and cultural regions. Providing a unique cultural experience of National and International interest will greatly enhance the visitor experience and provide sustained economic benefits for the Murray Region for years to come.
The need for Indigenous and cultural tourism products has been identified by the community of Echuca Moama and reinforced by the recent tourism industry and community consultations undertaken by Murray Regional Tourism Board and the Community Plan for Echuca Moama.
Meetings and communications with a wide range of stakeholders in support of the Bridge Arts Project is testament to your determination, sound business acumen and passion for indigenous cultural tourism.
The MRTB has set its strategic objectives and has committed to leading and facilitating tourism industry growth and development in the Murray Region by working with its member Councils and the Region’s tourism industry with energetic, cohesive leadership to:
- Improve supply and quality of tourism experiences;
- Increase awareness of destinations, products, experiences and events;
- Enhance skills and capacity of tourism industry members; and
- Facilitate investment in infrastructure, new products and experiences that revitalize the region’s tourism offer.
We wish you every success with the project funding application and look forward to following the progress of the project.
Yours sincerely
Mark Francis
Chief Executive Officer
Murray Regional Tourism Board