Gundil (brolga), 2024. Large-scale installation. PUNQ 2024 commission. Photograph courtesy of Mr. Inflatable.
Gurambilbarra / Townsville
The Strand 51 The Strand, North Ward Queensland 4810.
View the interactive PUNQ Art Trail Map for directions.
PricingFree.
2nd - 18th August 24hrs
Gundil Released | Installation
Big Eye Theatre & Wulgurukaba Walkabouts
Gundil (Brolga) Released is a project produced by Big Eye Theatre in collaboration with Wulgurukaba Walkabouts. This major new work illuminates a site of Cultural significance located on ‘The Strand Promenade’ where pre-colonisation a series of lagoons existed. Post-European settlement, the lagoons became polluted and were eventually filled in. Over time the traditional name of Wombeluna has been mistaken for Hambeluna
Through this work the Wulgurukaba people intend on sharing true name and history of the lagoons which were a ceremonial and gathering site where fresh water was in abundance. It is at Wombeluna where their ancestors performed the Gundil (brolga) dance and song, which is recorded in early colonial sketches. Wulgurukaba Walkabouts will be performing this dance once again at this special location.
The two towering Gundil’s installed at Wombeluna show these charming water birds that are known to forage in the swamps and waterways of the region. Brolgas partner for life and have a graceful dance they do to attract their mate.
Gundil Released will see this First Nations' history and connection to the water and land shared for the first time on this site in over 100 years.
Gundil Released is a PUNQ Commission, supported through the Creative Heartlands program, a strategic initiative of Topology | RASN North Queensland supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Gurambilbarra / Townsville
The Strand 51 The Strand, North Ward Queensland 4810.
View the interactive PUNQ Art Trail Map for directions.
PricingFree.
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PUNQ respectfully acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun and the surrounding groups of our region; Bindal, Gugu Badhan, Nywaigi, Warrgamay, Bandjin and Gudjal as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, share and celebrate local creative practice. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first people of Australia. They have never ceded sovereignty and remain strong in their enduring connection to land and Culture.
PUNQ respectfully acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun and the surrounding groups of our region; Bindal, Gugu Badhan, Nywaigi, Warrgamay, Bandjin and Gudjal as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, share and celebrate local creative practice. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first people of Australia. They have never ceded sovereignty and remain strong in their enduring connection to land and Culture.
PUNQ is produced by Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts. The festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funding from Creative Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund. Townsville City Council is a funding partner of PUNQ.