The sails of the Sydney Opera House were illuminated at dawn with my artwork “Diyan Warrane” on January 26th 2023 depicting and honouring stories of the Gadigal women of the Eora nation, recognising Australia’s First Nations’ people as the opening proceedings on Australia Day in NSW. After first light, both the Australian National Flag and Australian Aboriginal Flag were raised together on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a symbol of unity, recognition and inclusion.
Diyan Warrane represents the important role of First Nations’ women around the waters of Warrane (Sydney Harbour). These waters became known as the ‘women’s domain’, where Gadigal women would fish throughout the harbour home, from Me-Mel (Goat Island) to Ta-ra (Dawes Point).
The artwork honours four celebrated women of the Gadigal people, Boorong, Patygerang, Daringa, and Barangaroo, who were all very skilled fisherwomen with their own unique individual stories and contributions.
The harbour has always been integral to the everyday lives of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and it’s important we continue to share their stories. It is important will listen,”
It is important to share the Eel Dreaming Story of the Gadigal people of how the waterways of Warrane were formed, and how the Gadigal women used those waterways to fish and feed their people. They listened to the harbour, to Mother Earth – we all need to listen.
Sharing these stories gives us time to reflect, learn and listen to everything we see on Gadigal country and the connection that exists between people, land and water.
