On 21 August, 2024, the Parliament of NSW proudly unveiled an Acknowledgement of Country sculpture on Macquarie Street. Dharawal and Yuin Artist Alison Page has developed a sculptural Acknowledgement of Country for NSW Parliament. Scroll down to see how the sculpture was made.
For Page, what better way to honour ancient land than with “a slice of Country” itself. Supported by Culture and Heritage Consultant and Dharawal/Gumbaynggirr woman Rowena Welsh-Jarrett and Ceramicist Simon Reece, the collaborating artists have created a stratified pillar that embodies the deep time history of the cultural landscape around Parliament House.
Each visible layer is composed of natural elements – earth, stone, ochre, shell, and ash – that reveal their colours, imprints and textures to the surface. The resulting bands celebrate features of the local landscape that are significant to its First Nations Custodians.
The artist team has given a conceptually rich and robust voice to the layers of living histories that the wider community has come to inherit.
The unveiling ceremony included a Welcome to Country with the Presiding Officers and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of NSW. The day featured cultural performances from the La Perouse Public School Galu Dancers and a smoking ceremony, bringing the community together in recognition and respect.
The plaque reads:
The Parliament of New South Wales stands on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We proudly acknowledge all the Aboriginal peoples of New South Wales and honour their enduring connection to the lands, waters and sky of the State.
The representatives of the people of New South Wales gather from various Aboriginal lands across the State to meet in this Parliament. May the decisions made within these walls reflect our commitment to fostering a spirit of reconciliation and respect.
Discover the artistry and passion behind this stunning sculpture and see how it was made:
