Reconciliation 2026 - "I'm In"
The Barossa Bushgardens celebrates Reconciliation Week in different ways and through different events every year. During Covid, a video was released, creating a snake-shaped garden at the Reconciliation Circle. For several years after, we invited students from different schools to learn about Aboriginal culture from Elders and representatives from the Ngadjuri, Peramangk and Kaurna Nations.
We provide a safe space for Aboriginal peoples and the community to come together and learn from each other, overcoming differences and creating and strengthening connections.
This year we have changed things up a little and thanks to funding from the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board were able to invite Ngadjuri artist, Mel Agius and local mosaic artist, Kristin Wohlers to work on a special project. The artists worked with children from Nuriootpa Children's Centre, Nuriootpa Primary School and members of the community to listen to country, feel their connection with country and express their connection through art.
The Workshops
During three workshops, held at the kindy, school and the Barossa Bushgardens, Mel shared her cultural knowledge and invited participants to listen, to find their safe spaces and share their own story on how they connect to country.
Making new connections
Kristin Wohlers has worked with many community members to create mosaics, making her one of the most experienced artists in the Barossa. Working with Mel was a new experience for Kristin, who was keen to be involved in this opportunity.
Once the workshop participants had a yarn with Mel and a design or a few ideas in their heads, Kristin lead the mosaic making, guiding, giving tips, helping cut tiles and inform decisions around the choice of colours.
The thinking behind the artworks
During the workshops, all participants were asked to tell us about their artworks. While the answers from the adults were incredibly deep, emotional and very personal, we were impressed by some of the reasoning of the little children.
Reconciliation Mosaic Workshops
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