Australia Day screening of Yuin Country documentary at historic theatre in Narooma

Vivienne Mason in a still image from the documentary, Yuwinj-Dhari Bulwal-Yuin Country Explored. Photo: Supplied.

The historic Narooma Kinema will host a screening of the documentary, Yuwinj-Dhari Bulwal-Yuin Country Explored, on Australia Day, 26 January, 2021.

The free documentary presents some of the important stories surrounding Captain Cook’s arrival in Her Majesty’s Bark Endeavour along the NSW South Coast in 1770, and the past and present consequences for local Aboriginal people.

Eurobodalla Shire Council’s arts coordinator, Indi Carmichael, said the film is the culmination of a year-long project supported by Eurobodalla’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait community.

“2020 marked 250 years since James Cook’s voyage along Australia’s east coast, with particular significance for Eurobodalla,” said Ms Carmichael.

“Stories from the region are mentioned in Cook’s diary entries and they remain embedded in our local Aboriginal culture. Frankly, it’s all fascinating stuff.”

The Yuwinj-Dhari Bulwal-Yuin Country Explored project was a collaboration between the National Museum of Australia and Eurobodalla Shire Council through the Cultural Connections Initiative. The project kickstarted new Aboriginal arts and cultural activities and pushed forward existing ones.

“For example, the Dhurga word-of-the-week, Black Men Can Cook, painting workshops, and insights into caring for and connecting to country have run throughout 2020,” said Ms Carmichael.

“The Cultural Connections Initiative is a community outreach program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practitioners, and grassroots cultural work. It is very much about improving our knowledge of our region’s history and culture from a First Nation’s perspective.

“Originally, the project was to conclude with an outdoor exhibition at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, but COVID-19 put a stop to that. With new circumstances, this short documentary featuring local dance, stories and art celebrating the spirit, strength and resilience of the Yuin Nation is a worthy replacement.”

Yuwinj-Dhari Bulwal-Yuin Country Explored screens from 5.45 pm to 6.30 pm on Tuesday, 26 January, at Narooma Kinema, 94 Campbell Street, Narooma. There will be a Q&A session afterwards. Admission is free, but bookings are essential via Eventbrite.