Flora + Fauna of the river
Flora and Fauna of Tunuba was a bright and colourful community art work reflecting on the natural life in and around the Fitzroy River created for Rockhampton River Festival 2024.
Vibrant letters spelling out the names of local flora and fauna in Darumbal language were displayed along the boardwalk. Festival goers of all ages were invited to stop a while in a nearby marquee and make a Barramundi, Barraru (green tree frog), Wura (kangaroo), Gundulu (emu), or a Yugu (water lily).
In consultation with Darumbal Enterprises, Elders and the Cultural Coordinator and language keeper, LeLarnie Hatfield, the project encouraged a deeper listening to the flora and fauna living in the immediate area, highlighting the intimate knowledge of place Darumbal people have. The work responded to the constraints of the built environment while sparking environmental awareness and inviting contemplation of the human impact on the life of the river. It aimed to facilitate growing public awareness and greater understanding and comfort with Darumbal language and a deeper, personal connection to the land for festival-goers in alignment with Darumbal knowledge and complementing the existing artistic ethos and vision of the Darumbal people engaged in public outreach.
