Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that our buildings, collections, and practices exist on unceded Aboriginal lands. We recognise the diversity and knowledges of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across all the lands the University stands on, and respect the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have to these lands, their cultural practices, knowledge systems and histories. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, who have handed down custodianship to each generation for more than 60,000 years.
Money, J. (2021). Yilabara (Now). Filmed on Gadigal Country. Commissioned by the University of Sydney Library
'Walking on Country' artwork launch
Philip Kent and Jessie Waratah removing a black cloth to reveal the artwork Walking on Country displayed on an easel
Growing up in Sydney as a Warlpiri and Gamilaraay woman, fortunate enough to have been born on the land of the Gadigal, nothing nourishes me more than to walk on this Country, seeking out places in this busy metropolis where I can listen to Country breathe. Through this artwork I invite you to join me in becoming present to this Country by using your imagination.
On Monday 8 April 2024, the artwork Walking on Country by artist Jessie Waratah was officially launched at an event held in Fisher Library. The artwork was commissioned as a placemaking design to connect the Library’s digital and physical spaces to local Gadigal Country, where many of our Library locations sit. It connects the Library’s buildings and staff and student community to Country, and invites us to remember that we are always on Aboriginal Land.
This project was funded by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Services as apart of the One Sydney Many People Strategy. Jessie was chosen from a range of highly competitive applications from established and emerging artists.
At the event, Philip Kent (University Librarian), Pippa Herden (Indigenous Engagement Officer) and Jessie gave speeches. Jessie spoke to the process of creating her artwork as a scalable, adaptable digital creation, which has been a learning experience for her as an artist. She shared her cultural process, which involved speaking to Indigenous Elders and community for guidance and support.
Attendees from across the University community were present at the event, including staff from Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services (DVCISS), the Gadigal Centre, and staff and students from the Extended Bachelor Program.
We sincerely thank Jessie for her generous, collaborative spirit throughout this process. It has been a pleasure to travel with Jessie throughout her creative journey, and we commend her attention to detail, especially in ensuring this work could be reproduced across many formats.
We invite you to view Walking on Country on display in the Fisher Library foyer, and to see a decal of the artwork in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Space on level 3. We look forward to featuring Walking on Country across our Library presence in the future.
Artist Jessie Waratah with her parents
Lisa Jackson Pulver, Jessie Waratah, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon and Philip Kent
Kate Constantine and Sally Fitzpatrick
Group of staff and students from the Extended Bachelor Program
A group of people standing around the 'Walking on Country' artwork, smiling at the camera
Pippa Herden giving a speech in front of seated attendees
Jennifer Barrett, Irene Wardle and Lisa Jackson Pulver
Library staff Julia Child, Jen Stanton, Michael Arndell and Belinda Norman
University Librarian Philip Kent speaking in front of attendees
Artist Jessie Waratah speaking in front of attendees
Artist Jessie Waratah seated in front of her artwork 'Walking on Country'