News

Indigenous weaving art piece connects region to its roots

By Jemma Jones

Jul 15, 2026

What started as a quiet wish for more native resources has grown into a powerful act of acknowledgment and a celebration of the local Indigenous weavers who kept the tradition alive.

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A traditional woven basket, signifying the connection between people, land and the water, was unveiled as a permanent public artwork at the Echuca Aquatic Reserve on Monday, July 13.

Despite the chilly weather, the event was well attended, with local Aboriginal leaders, schools, and government organisation representatives watching on as well-known Yorta Yorta Elder and weaver Aunty Denise Morgan Bulled, with Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell, unveiled the basket.

Yorta Yorta Elder and weaver Aunty Denise Morgan Bulled and Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell unveiled the basket. Photo by Jemma Jones

Supported by the Weaving Waterways group, the basket was designed by Aunty Denise with local artist and fabricator Jesse Lee Cooper with the aim of being a standing and lasting reminder of storytelling and First Nations traditions.

Backdropping the unveiling, along the riverbank, were freshly planted reeds, placed there by students from St Joseph’s College and the Njernda Youth program.

The reeds are the very material traditionally used in weaving — and their planting came about after Aunty Denise had been unable to find any suitable reeds to weave within the area.

Aunty Denise said the planting of the reeds had been a long time coming, and the unveiling of the public artwork made the occasion all the more meaningful.

Campaspe Shire's First Peoples' engagement officer Suzy Barlow said the artwork spoke to the deep cultural significance of the region.

Reeds planted along the riverbank at the Echuca Aquatic Reserve. Photo by Jemma Jones

She said the artwork, with the newly planted reeds, were a way to transform the aquatic reserve into a welcoming gathering place for everyone.

“There’s not really been anything like a visible piece of cultural recognition in Echuca, so I thought it was really important for this to happen,” she said.

“For the community, it’s more about creating a place of purpose, connecting the young ones back to weaving ... and the nature that we have at the aquatic reserve.

“When you move into town, you’re surrounded by a modern world – so it’s still important when you’re down here, you are brought back to mother nature.”

Long after the formalities wrapped up, attendees lingered by the water — joining in weaving demonstrations and sharing a warm lunch together in celebration of the day.