After years of planning (the first serious discussions began in 1992) the newest museum in the country is finally open. Director Maggie Solly and her team have worked tirelessly towards this day. After the welcome to country by Aunty Joy Murphy, the speeches and finally the ribbon cutting, the enthusiastic guests were allowed into the body of the building.
A celebration of local stories, there are over 273
exhibits. The indigenous history is beautifully explored through the stories of Simon Wonga and William Barak and there is an exquisite possum skin cloak made by Vicki Couzens.
The Dame Nellie Melba collection is one of the draw cards to this museum and visitors will not
be disappointed when they see the Melba case -
the woman travelled and dressed in style!
But of course I would be lying if I didn't say that I was there to enjoy the release of my little digital story, Edith's Lyrebird. Commissioned by the museum and made in collaboration with Malcolm McKinnon we have been waiting for months for the film to be available for general viewing. It was a treat to finally see a small audience chuckling away at the antics of 'James'. And I am so proud of the music arranged and performed by my buddies, Greg O'Leary and Michael Stewart from the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club. Now we have had a taste of movie making we would love to make more.
I was struck by one of the labels in the Melba section '... she was the first singer in international standing to broadcast on radio.' Lyrebird James, the star of our little film was the first lyrebird to be broadcast on the radio - a beautiful coincidence.
1 comment:
Congratulations to Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Edith's Lyrebird and you!
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