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13 April, 2023
Over the past few months, we were privileged to be a collaborating partner on the Gyak: Culture, Conservation, and Education project led by the Taronga Conservation Society.
The Gyak (Corroboree Frog, Pseudophryne pengilleyi) is one of Australia’s most critically endangered species. The Gyak: Culture, Conservation, and Education project is a collaboration between local communities, government agencies and conservation groups that focuses on protecting this extremely endangered species from extinction while preserving its cultural significance. The Taronga Conservation Society is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of conservation and protecting this species for future generations. By combining efforts in research and education, they are working to ensure that these species will continue to thrive in our world.
Last month, we gathered on Walgalu and Wiradjuri Country with Brungle Primary School, Brungle/Tumut Land Council, National Parks and Wildlife, and the NSW Department of Environment to learn about the Gyak (Corroboree Frog). Through a collaboration with the First Nations communities of the Tumut and Brungle region, we look to restore and strengthen connection and knowledge exchange in this area of cultural significance. Our role was to collaborate with local Aboriginal communities and provide the creative and embodied coming together of People, Story, Culture and Purpose. Artists Ella Havelka (Bangarra Alumna) and Amy Flannery (David Page Music Fellow) worked with the Brungle students, Brungle Elders, and Taronga staff to create a dance that was performed by the students on Country, in the presence of Gyak, the Community and the conservation scientists.
We look forward to bringing you more information about the outcome of this project soon.
