Port Macquarie Museum reopens with two First Nations exhibitions

PORT Macquarie Museum has reopened with two exhibitions – Birrbay Barray Djuyal and Side by Side, launched on Tuesday, 27 October.

The installations and launch were delayed due to the protracted repairs and conservation works to the historic store building over the past five months.

First Nations First is the core of Australia’s national cultural policy, and these two exhibitions put Birpai stories and artworks at the forefront of the museum visitor experience.

Birrbay Barray Djuyal (Birpai Country Stories) is an immersive digital installation at Port Macquarie Museum using Birpai voices and Gathang language to connect visitors to Country and Birpai stories.

The installation was developed by the creative team from Studio ESEM working together with members of the Birpai community, led by cultural consultant and Birpai Elder, Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley.

“This is all about acknowledging both Birpai and English languages coexisting,” she said.

“There are so many special moments of walking on Country, deep listening – and remembering our connection to Country.

“Visitors are invited to ‘sit, listen and feel Country.

“The tracks we leave on Country will be felt by tomorrow’s children and the Birpai Country will tell them how we cared for it.”

Museum curator, Debbie Sommers, provided project support and oversaw the installation.

The project included making use of already captured and unused interviews, video footage and research undertaken by Studio ESEM (then ESEM Projects) in consultation with the Birpai community in 2021 for Walkulda (Weaving our stories as one).

Port Macquarie Hastings Council contributed $10,000 from their Community Grants Program (2025-26) for the project. Other contributors were the NSW Government $49,970, from the 2024-25 Creative Industries Connectivity Program), Port Macquarie Historical Society $3,500, plus $25,000 in-kind contributions by Studio ESEM and Port Macquarie Museum.

Side by Side is a collaboration with Port Macquarie Museum led by Radley, working with the Birpai community and artists. The exhibition features objects from the museum’s collection together with newly commissioned artworks by local Birpai artists Lori-Ann McKinnon, Patricia McInherny and MALU.

“Importantly, Port Macquarie Museum wished to address historical oversights and ignorance through this project,” Sommers said

“The museum’s vision is to foster a more inclusive community and present authentic and truthful historical perspectives.

“Side by Side demonstrates the museum’s commitment to foster inclusion, reconciliation and truth-telling in our community through active collaboration, listening, respect and understanding.”

The NSW Government has contributed $27,350 to the project through the Create NSW 2024-25 Cultural Access Program. Port Macquarie Historical Society has contributed $5900, plus $6800 in in-kind contributions.

By Pauline CAIN