By Babette Weatherell
Tucked away on the fringe of the lush Picabeen Park is the Bangalow Heritage House Museum, an inviting trove of memories and stories for anyone seeking to step back in time.
What better place to host, Uncovering Our Past, an exhibition which invited the public to step out of the daily hustle and bustle, and take a moment to delve into the rich history of the Big Scrub and the Bundjalung people? Running for the past 6 weeks, the exhibition offered a glimpse into life in the Big Scrub both before and after European settlement.
The Legacy of the Big Scrub
Before European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, the Northern Rivers region, including Bangalow, was enveloped in the Big Scrub rainforest, a dense, 75,000-hectare ecosystem. This subtropical rainforest was a world unto itself, filled with towering ancient trees, prickly vines, and diverse animals and plants. This ecosystem provided the Bundjalung people with food, water, and materials for clothing and tools, embodying their connection to the land.
The exhibition showcased descriptions by government surveyors from the 1860s and early settlers, who faced the formidable task of navigating and documenting a landscape so dense it could take days to cut a path through just a few meters.
Exhibition Highlights
- Andy Erskine: His intricate line drawings of native flora and fauna, including species such as the Heath-leaved Banksia and the Firewheel, were available as A3 prints, with 10% of proceeds donated to the Bangalow Historical Society.
- David Morgan: A digital artwork titled Morning Bundjalung Country captured the essence of Bundjalung land.
- Dailan Pugh: Known for his contributions to The Big Scrub Rainforest: A Journey Through Time, Pugh’s work includes illustrations like Rainforest Cathedral, depicting the majesty and ecological importance of the Big Scrub.
- Nan & Hugh Nicholson: Displaying striking images of native trees such as the Red Cedar and Hoop Pine, the Nicholsons, with their extensive rainforest photography, highlight the delicate beauty and critical conservation needs of these species.
Also on display was The Big Scrub Rainforest: A Journey Through Time, a collaborative book featuring images and essays by prominent conservationists. The second edition of this book, supported by Rous County Council and the Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy, is a comprehensive guide to the history, regeneration, and cultural significance of the Big Scrub.
Indigenous Knowledge and Connection with Delta Kay
Delta Kay, a local Bundjalung educator, shared her knowledge through guided tours and a new film that complemented the exhibition. Known for her bush tucker tours, Delta introduces visitors to native plants used for food, medicine, and crafting. Her work emphasizes the deep connection of the Bundjalung people to their land, offering insights into their sustainable use of resources and spiritual connection to the Big Scrub.
Uncovering Our Past invited visitors to connect with the history of the Big Scrub and the legacy of the Bundjalung people, immersing themselves in the intricate relationship between culture and ecology. The exhibition offered more than a nostalgic glimpse into a distant past; it served as an inspiring tribute to the place we call home, showcasing a mosaic of inspiring characters dedicated to revitalizing this integral and magnificent ecosystem.
