We are now in development of the Awabakal Seasonal Calendar - which will ultimately be launched as an online digital interactive experience. Once complete, we are partnering with Newcastle Libraries (City of Newcastle) for an exhibition of the Seasonal Calendar. Watch this space for our project progress.   

Funded in partnership with Create NSW and Newcastle Libraries (City of Newcastle). 

Aboriginal language is an oral tradition, so it is logical for the Awabakal Language Program and Miromaa Aboriginal Language & Technology Centre (MALTC) to develop a podcast channel focusing on understanding Aboriginal Language.

The first series of eight episodes are hosted by the Awabakal Language Program language researchers and educators, interviewing respected, experienced Aboriginal language representatives from the state and nation.

The project is in its early stage of planning - so keep visiting this page to follow our progress.

Funded in partnership with The Aboriginal Languages Trust (Department of Premier & Cabinet NSW)

Miromaa partnered with public art consultancy The Creative Ingredient to provide the content and design of the Tiddalik story for Scentre Group Ltd to be installed at Westfield Kotara Shopping Centre, next to the playground at The Rooftop.

Miromaa staff member and Awabakal woman Terri-Lee Darcy worked with Awabakal Elder Aunty Phyllis Darcy, and Aboriginal artist and linguist Donna Gayford McLaren to provide the images and words for the installation. 

The artwork - made of a sheet of laser cut stainless steel in front of a sheet of Corten steel - was launched to of a happy crowd of Newcastle Primary School students where Aunty Phyllis and Terri-Lee told the story of 'Tiddalik The Greedy Frog'.

City of Newcastle partnered with Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre to create virtual reality experience: Niiarrnumber Burrai, or Our Country, transporting viewers back in time to when Awabakal and Worimi people lived traditionally within the local lands of Newcastle.

Funded in partnership with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the project also involved assistance from Aboriginal linguist Donna McLaren, the University of Newcastle, Wylaa Buuranliyn and Virtual Perspective.

Using a virtual reality headset or a smart phone, the Niiarrnumber Burrai, or Our Country, video immerses the viewer in Newcastle's landscape prior to European settlement with Elder characters sharing knowledge of their significant places, their traditional names and cultural stories. The video's two Elders are voiced by Worimi man Luke Russell as Wayila (Black Cockatoo) and Awabakal woman and Miromaa staff member Terri-Lee Darcy as Buuyaan (Bellbird).

As part of 2018 NAIDOC Week's opening celebrations, Niiarrnumber Burrai / Our Country was launched. The VR package launch followed the trial of the first of eight interactive signs that will be placed at these locations to increase the visibility and usage of dual names.

Available for download from Council's YouTube channel.**

**For best viewing experience use on the YouTube app with VR headset such as Google Cardboard, Google Daydream, Samsung Gear and Oculus Go. For desktop viewing watch using Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge, and Opera Browsers.

On 19 August 2011, Vicki Couzens, Maree Clarke, Lee Darroch & Amanda Reynolds from Banmirra Arts travelled from Victoria to Newcastle to hold a workshop entitled Wilai Karingkareyang Turool: Possum Skin Cloak Healing Workshop, at the Newcastle Town Hall, where 40 members of the Awabakal Aboriginal community came from around the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area to attend the three day workshop. 

Wilai is the Awabakal word for possum, karingkareyang is the Awabakal word for cloak and turool is the Awabakal word for heal. Language is such a significant part of Aboriginal culture. Our languages hold the knowledge, history and stories of our ancestors. LANGUAGE + CULTURE = IDENTITY. The opportunity to share our language and our stories with each other whilst working on the possum skin cloak has enabled us, as Aboriginal people, to regain a big part of our cultural identity.