In collaboration with the Aussie Desert Dog program Hearth Galleries is thrilled to offer a collection of beautiful photographs by Sam Gummer, to raise funds for the projects of Aussie Desert Dogs. These images show the scenes of daily life in the community of Yuendumu. Proceeds of the sale of these photographs directly support the program.
Aboriginal people have always lived very closely with their dogs and a distinctive feature of most remote communities is the large number of dogs. Warlukurlangu Artists runs a dog health program in Yuendumu. This program involves feeding hungry dogs, managing ticks, and caring for sick and abandoned dogs. Staff regularly provide advice to community members on better care of dogs. Warlukurlangu Artists also fund vets to visit the community to sterilise dogs and treat them for various diseases. Over the years the Veterinary services have also been extended to the neighbouring communities of Nyirripi and Mt Allan.
In recent years the art centre has collaborated with Central Desert Regional Council and Central Land Council GMAAAC (Granites Mine Affected Area Aboriginal Corporation) to bring a vet to the community to take stock of the dog population and insert birth control implants or de-sex as many dogs as possible. This program is repeated regularly and has helped to control the number of dogs in the community and to improve the health of the remaining dogs. Despite this there are many unwanted puppies and Warlukurlangu Artists arranges for dogs to be adopted all around Australia and some puppies are taken to the RSPCA in Alice Springs.
Although the dog program is run daily by Gloria Morales, the art centres’ Assistant Manager, the Art Centre could not afford to continue to provide such a high level of services without the financial support.
Over the years Gloria Morales has become renowned for her care of animals in distress, not limited to dogs. For more information visit her Facebook page Aussie Desert Dogs. To see Gloria discuss her work, click here.
Each photo is printed on Museum Standard Pigment Ink on Archival Rag Paper, measuring 42 x 30cm.
Sam Gummer will be sharing her experiences and her insights into life in Yuendumu, as well as being available to answer questions on our social media about the program. https://www.instagram.com/chrisjoycuration/
"This photographic collection is a portrayal of the life in the community of Yuendumu, where I have been working and living for the past year. I originally came to Yuendumu to help the most inspirational woman, Gloria Morales, with her dog program, Aussie Desert dogs. The dog program started over 15 years ago and has changed the health, wellbeing and care of the dogs in the community, as well as educating the residence of the town on animal care and responsibility. Remarkably Gloria has achieved all this whilst working as the assistant manager of Warlukurlangu Artists! Observing the cultural relationship between Warlpiri people whilst living in the community and working at Warlukurlangu Artists has presented me with the unique opportunity to experience the intimate dynamics of the inhabitants, art, and culture of a remote Aboriginal community. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to photograph such a vibrant and diverse environment. " - Sam Gummer
Join Wurundjeri Elder and Master Weaver Aunty Kim Wandin for Mirrim Ngagu, a deep listening experience on Wurundjeri Country.
This short walk will include a ceremony, yarning circle and deep connection to country and culture. Through the intimacy of a small group, explore the cultural significance of basketry, its innovation, technology and Aboriginal knowledges.
'Family, honouring Ancestors, and having continuity of cultural traditions is important to me. Caring for Country is about me honouring everything the land holds, collecting reeds, that is, doing ceremony on Country which is what Country needs, speaking language, calling the reeds by their name, Djirra. Those things are ceremony. It's a consciousness that speaks to all things.'' (Aunty Kim Wandin)
for further information and bookings call: 0423 902 934