Newcastle Gaol Museum (Toodyay) (2022)
Gnulla Karnany Waangkiny - Our Truth Telling
A collaborative project of NKAC & Shire ensuring Noongar history is recorded and shared. The project engaged research expertise and reclaimed Noongar voices to show traditional life; and the displacement & unjust treatment of Noongar people post colonisation through the 'Dark History' installation. Check it out!
Redbank Pool on the Bilya Walk Track (2020)
Gnulla Moort (Our Family)
Registered Aboriginal Heritage Site ID 24317. Art work showing how Noongar people went about daily activities 200 years ago. A place for fishing, hunting and daytime camping. Women gathered bush food and brought seeds and medicines to grind and prepare. Men hunted kangaroo (yonga), possum (koomool) and other foods.
Displayed where required (since 2019)
Events & Displays
NKAC has a number of banners, flags and information displays to use at events. We hold events during NAIDOC and reconciliation week, and participate at some of the local festivals. In addition we work closely with the school and other groups in town.
On Toodyay's old town oval near the site (2021)
Old Aboriginal Burial Ground
NKAC & Shire worked closely together to acknowledge the presence of a Noongar burial site. The site contains graves of numerous Noongar people, all buried post white settlement and prior to 1915. In 1909 remains were uncovered during construction of the railway line. Formally gazetted as a cemetery in 1916.
Shire Website (2021)
Reconciliation Action Plan
The Shire’s RAP was launched during Reconciliation Week 2021. The launch was a proud moment for NKAC, the Shire and members of the community. NKAC thank the Shire for their ‘generosity of spirit’ and unwavering support for a plan that is more than just words, but more of action and commitment.
Pelham Lookout (2022)
Gnulla Boodja (Our Country)
This plaque is installed above the town of Toodyay, with clear view overlooking the hills, river, valley & town. Visitors can read and become aware of their surroundings from a Noongar perspective. Information highlights creation time, six bonar (seasons) & presence of three Noongar tribes (Yued, Ballardong & Whadjuk).
Duidgee Park near Newcastle Bridge (2022)
Toodyay Valley - A Mythological Wagyl Place
This interpretive art is a representation of the Wagyl (spirit snake) as it travels through the Toodyay Valley, from Boolegin (Bolgart) along the Gugular (Avon River, including Redbank Pool) and onto Burlong Pool near Narrjuk (Northam)
Duidgee Park
Karlerl - Traditional Camp Area
Post a meeting with Noongar Elder Nana Gillespie, NKAC became aware of a Karlerl (traditional camp) near the junction of Toodyay Brook & Avon River. A sign is now in place in Duidgee Park. While the Karler would have been a larger natural bush area, it is now only remnant bush land surrounded by farmland and housing.
On-country (about to commence)
Noongar Elders - 20th Century Stories
The NKAC is currently recording individual Aboriginal Elders stories of their everyday life in the wider Toodyay region post white colonisation. We hope to have this complete during 2023 with displays on this website.
Toodyay area (In development)
Noongar Trail
Plan is that by late 2022 visitors will be able to take a walk, drive or guided tour and learn about the rich Noongar culture and heritage of the Yued, Ballardong and Whadjuk peoples connection to this Boodja (country). Many sites are already accessible.