DJAARA, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, is planning an exhibition at the Castlemaine Arts Museum in July next year to honour the timber which fell from the much-loved Guildford Big Tree in February 2024.
The Guildford Biyal (red gum) has long been a culturally significant and important tree for Dja Dja Wurrung People (Djaara). It is also an iconic landmark to both locals and visitors to the region and was recognised by the National Trust as the Victorian Tree of the Year in 2023.
DJAARA’s Guildford Biyal Project, which was established to honour the tree, aims to foster community connection, healing and truth telling. It’s a way to tell Country’s story through the tree and those connected to it.
Djaara Elder Rick Nelson has been involved in the project since the branches dropped.
“This project is bringing the three Aboriginal organisations in the region together. DJAARA, Nalderun and BDAC (Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative) are working together for the first time, around the fire, honouring this special and culturally significant tree,” Mr Nelson said.
“Wood from the Guildford Biyal has been shared with mob who live locally or have a connection with the area,” he added.
February 2024. The fallen branches were preserved and are being made available for art works.
Dja Dja Wurrung community members have been crafting artefacts and other objects that will form part of the exhibition.
DJAARA now invites others in the broader community (groups or individuals) to get in touch with their ideas for what could be made with the fallen timber.
Several commissions are available, including for Djaara and non-Djaara artists. Commissions will be awarded following a competitive selection process in January.
DJAARA also welcomes ideas for participation in the exhibition outside of the commissioned artworks.
For more about the exhibition and the Guildford Biyal Project, visit djadjawurrung.com.au/projects/guildford-big-tree or email guildfordbigtree@djadjawurrung.com.au
The project team is also planning for an event at the Guildford Big Tree during Reconciliation Week in May 2026, led by Rick Nelson and Djaara community members.
“The event at the Guildford Tree will bring community together with an opportunity to celebrate and honour the tree,” Mr Nelson said.
The Guildford Biyal project is supported by Mt Alexander Shire Council, Regional Arts Victoria, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Castlemaine Arts Museum and National Indigenous Australian Agency (NIAA).
This article is based on a media release from DJAARA.
