'Walking on Country' by Jessie Waratah

Artist statement by Jessie Waratah

Growing up in Sydney as a Warlpiri and Gamilaraay woman, fortunate enough to have been born on the land of the Gadigal, nothing nourishes me more than to walk on this Country, seeking out places in this busy metropolis where I can listen to Country breathe. Through this artwork I invite you to join me in becoming present to this Country by using your imagination. To feel the changing breeze and listen to the sounds of the harbour as we walk together.

This artwork depicts the land of the Gadi through a bird’s eye view. We begin at the Gadi campus of The University of Sydney. This is marked by the Grass tree pictured in the southwest corner. You can see it there to the left, surrounded by people and a scatter of red dots that symbolise embers of spirit, and the sparks of inspiration that come with learning.

From here we look north to east, across the springs and estuaries of Blackwattle Creek towards Sydney Harbour. The ground changes beneath us from yellow sandstone, to brown marshland, to green forest, signposted by the emblematic Waratah with its sweet nectar, as well as the ghostlike flannel flowers with their velvet petals. Also present are the bright flowers of the kangaroo paw, a visitor from afar that now fills gardens in the city and university. The kangaroo paw symbolises our diverse communities and our shared responsibility to care for this Country, to which we are all now connected.

As we travel north to Tar-Ra / Dawes Point and around to Meeliyahwool / Campbells Cove, we see the leaves of the Silver dollar eucalyptus. These trees with their blue sage colouring can also still be found on the university’s campus. Turning eastward to Warrane / Sydney Cove, the shore is marked by a shell-like ripple design symbolising changing tides. Then up to the harbour’s edge at Dubbagullee / Bennelong Point crowned by the Sydney Opera House, represented by the renowned Sydney rock oyster, before walking around Yurong / Mrs Macquaries Point, the place of the 1988 Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

Travelling along Wahganmuggalee / Farm Cove, and through the Royal Botanic Gardens, we arrive at the Sydney golden wattle. We sit for a moment, shaded by its branches decorated in gold, and look out across the glittering harbour to Cammeraygal Country. Woolloomooloo Bay is next, its shoreline again scored by the tides, before curving around to Garden Island and Derrawunn / Potts Point. Finally, we reach Gurrajin / Elizabeth Bay, where an Aboriginal Fishing Village was set aside in 1820. Looking north, a cluster of oysters depicts the island of Muddawahnyuh / Fort Denison.

Now as we part ways, think about your memories of these places. Be present with each breath, and remember that Country will always be here, and will always endure—like the idea of ‘everywhen’ that my Elders talk about. Our shared belief of being connected simultaneously to the past, present and future—a connection to the vast spirit that makes us who we are. When we feel this connection and care for Country, Country will care for us. It grounds us and embraces us, and makes us who we are. This sense of belonging that feels like family is shared by First Nations. As passed onto me by the Elders in my family.

I thank the Elders and guides who have grown me up and supported me in creating this artwork. I also acknowledge the Traditional Owners of these lands and waters, the people of Gadi and their Elders past and present. I would also like to acknowledge Professor Jakelin Troy for her important contribution to restoring the Sydney Language.

Elements of Walking on Country featured in the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student space