New exhibition weaves together stories of Albury’s people and place

Pictured from left: Exhibition co-curator Kat Kitch (Wiradjuri), Albury Mayor Kevin Mack, artist Darren Wighton and co-curator Kate Eastick   

This significant exhibition, officially opened on 25 July, shares the many layers of the city’s past through carefully selected objects and photographs from the AlburyCity Museum and Social History Collection, alongside stories from the community. It replaces the long-running Crossing Place exhibition, bringing a contemporary lens to the region’s evolving story.

Curated by Kate Eastick and Kat Kitch (Wiradjuri), the exhibition draws from a collection of more than 30,000 cultural heritage objects.

Co-curator Kate Eastick said selecting which stories to tell was a challenge, given the depth of material available.

“Every object holds a story, and it was important to reflect the diversity of Albury’s history,” Kate explained.

“We have many incredibly special items, including the possum skin cloak worn by Yorta Yorta Elder Matilda House-Williams when then Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, made a formal apology to Australia’s First Nations peoples.

“We have the doors and entrance panels from a local Chinese joss house that survived because they had been repurposed as shelving in a shed. We even have one of the first ever passenger tickets issued for a commercial flight to Australia from Europe.”

Kat Kitch said the exhibition also allows new acquisitions to shine.

“High quality photos of the colourful plinths from last year’s MOB exhibition can be seen throughout the exhibition as both wallpaper and above the panels focusing on First Nations’ stories.

“We have different shields, boomerangs and clubs that have been sitting in the archive for some time yet have never been on display; it’s awesome to see both past and recent history in the same space.”

The exhibition shares stories of place, migration, manufacturing and homecoming. It celebrates the many contributions made by Albury people across local, national and international contexts - from military service and the construction of landmark buildings which shaped the city’s landscape, to the Uiver’s emergency landing and sporting greats like Lauren Jackson. It also highlights the significance of migration and the many families who have made Albury their home.

AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack officially opened the exhibition, following a smoking ceremony conducted by Darren Wighton, and acknowledged the project as an important milestone in telling Albury’s continuing story.

“Bungambrawatha: Stories of Albury builds on the legacy of the LibraryMuseum’s foundation exhibition but offers something new, contemporary and more inclusive of the rich diversity that makes up our community today. This new project ensures our cultural collection remains relevant and accessible while sharing the stories that connect us to this place and each other,” Mayor Mack shared.

“This is not a static display, it’s designed to evolve over time, with future stages to further explore key stories, including the relationship between people and the Murray River. I want to thank everyone involved - the curators, staff, volunteers, Elders, historians, donors and creatives who have brought this important project to life.”

The free opening celebrations continue on Saturday, 26 July. The community is invited to enjoy gallery tours, craft and games, with fun for all ages from 10am to 2pm.

You can book a gallery tour and view the program of events here.