Taken on a journey of discovery, students become enthralled by the unique and fascinating traditions of the Dja Dja Wurrung, hear a story more than 40,000 years in the making and come to understand the impact the city’s iconic gold rush had on their people.
A special commentary has been created by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clan using spoken word and song and was produced by prominent musician and composer David Bridie.
This tram has been adorned inside and out with striking Aboriginal artworks created by emerging Dja Dja Wurrung artist, Natasha Carter. Decorated with depictions of local native animals, the artwork acknowledges the animals that are important to the Dja Dja Wurrung and explains why they pay respect to them.
For instance, Waa the Crow is seen as a trickster. There are many legends surrounding the crow. It is believed that the crow was white but when he brought fire back to earth, he was burnt black. The crow is one of two moieties of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, along with Bunjil the eagle.
A visit to Bendigo Tramways will highlight to your students that the Dja Dja Wurrung culture is still very much alive and thriving. We invite you to settle in, bring your imagination and hear the story of Bendigo’s first people, the Dja Dja Wurrung.
Additional photo of the artwork:
Additional info (stolen from here)