Conversations on Country

The Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance is proud to present this unique publication of Aboriginal Elder’s stories from the Mid North Coast of NSW. The ‘Elder’s Story Book Project’ is a creative and fictional exploration of historical cultural stories by Aboriginal Elders across Worimi, Biripi, Birpai, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr Country. The stories are poignant and express what it was like growing up during the 50s, 60s and 70s as an Aboriginal person.

In 2025, the NSW Government, through Create NSW, provided funding for SWFW to develop an Aboriginal Elder’s Story Book. This became the SWFW Elder’s Story Book Project. Seven Elders have generously shared their stories with SWFW. These stories have been poignantly retold by local Elders from within the Saltwater Freshwater footprint. They express the hardships faced by our people during this time, including racism, stolen generations, intergenerational trauma and segregation. The stories are a true reflection of how people survived and flourished within their respective families despite the hardships faced.

Despite these hardships, these stories also reflect the resilience, strength, and determination of Aboriginal communities to maintain culture, family, and connection to Country. Through these stories, we see not only the challenges endured but also the courage, creativity, and hope that sustained generations of Elders.

This project represents a moment in time, a snapshot of life on the Mid North Coast, that it is hoped will inspire and lay the foundation for other Elders to share their stories before they pass. The stories are unique in their style and contain stories of place and people. SWFW is honored to be allowed to record these stories for the intergenerational transfer of historical knowledge to our future generations.

MICHELLE FLANDERS
Senior First Nations Program Officer
Saltwater Freshwater

(This item is part of The Gallery’s ongoing identity and is not tied to a specific exhibition, artist rotation, or time-bound program.)