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Deanne Gilson (she/her), Wadawurrung
Porronggitj gupma Ngaramilli baa Bunyia Beenyak under Barri-morrgal - The Brolga Dancing by the Eel Trap, Under the Moon, 2025
synthetic polymer paint, charcoal from Marlene Gilson’s fire, 23 karat gold, copper leaf, canvas
50 x 195 x 3 cm

Porronggitj, or the Brolga as it is known by in English language, plays an important role in Wadawurrung Songlines for its graceful dancing under the moon. Today, our women perform a dance that calls back the Brolga after it was scared off during the first stages of settlement through mining and people moving into what is now known as the Goldfields of Ballarat. A sensitive bird that our women resonate with as a life force for calm and peace. When the water is altered or dries up, the Brolga leaves and is only just returning now. Pictured next to Yaramlok Yaluk (Yarrowee River) that has a traditional woven eel trap (Buniya Beenyak) nestled in amongst the rocks and other water birds of Wadawurrung Dja (Country).