Weaving Waters | Mandji the Murray Cod

Overview

Dissent, characterised as objection, is expressed through Tuggeranong Arts Centre's protest artwork modelled on the Murray Cod, a theme that aims to interrogate the species' decline due to the introduction of feral fish taxa and damaging environmental changes. The Murray Cod, a species of great significance to First Nations Peoples, is listed as a threatened and vulnerable species under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

This project is an opportunity to shed light on the issue and to educate participants by sharing First Nations stories and promote environmental conservation strategies such as fishing restrictions, improved water quality, habitat restoration, fish translocation and stocking programs.

The project will use natural fibres for the community collaborative making of a woven cover for the sculpture's metal armature. Participants will learn time honoured weave techniques along with principles for collecting and preparing natural materials that honour and protect the environment's long-term sustainability. The project aims to foster deeper connection with the natural world, while sharing meditative making practices for improved wellbeing and overall mental health.