THE stories of Kerang’s fauna, flora and people will be celebrated during four nights of activities this month.
Using digital projection technology, many of Kerang’s landmarks will be lit up by works created by residents during the Kerang’s Living World light festival, occurring on today and July 15-16.
“Kerang’s Living World will enable residents and visitors to view Kerang via a different perspective, as well as showcase the creative talents of residents young and old,” Gannawarra Shire Council chief executive Tom O’Reilly said.
“Kerang’s Living World builds on the popularity of community projection workshops held in Kerang in January 2019 and November 2021, as well as sessions held with Kerang Technical High School and Kerang Primary School students during this time.”
The festival began with free community workshops at Kerang Memorial Hall yesterday and today (9am to 4pm). To register for these free workshops, email keranglandcare@gmail.com
“I am thrilled to finally present the last of the projection’s workshops and the body of work created to our community in this way,” event organiser Angela Hird said.
“Our aim has been to tap into the creative genius of our young people and local creatives to inspire them to create an event unique to the Gannawarra. What better way to do this than through art and digital story telling in the space of cultural and environmental reconciliation.
“I encourage people to come to one or both workshops to learn how simple and available the tech is, then share the experience with their community networks. We aim to build the capacity of groups within the Gannawarra to use this digital equipment to add fun and unique creative elements to promotions or events.”
Residents and visitors will be able to view the work workshop participants will create during waking tour rehearsals, which leave the Kerang Memorial Hall each night at 6.30pm.
“These creations will also be displayed on the Kerang Water Tower, located at the corner of Nolan and Vaughan streets, providing a unique way to showcase the creative talents of the Gannawarra’s residents,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Creations developed during the two workshops will feature during the Kerang’s Living World festival, occurring from 5.30pm to 10pm on July 15 and July 16 at locations throughout Kerang’s central business district and the Kerang Water Tower.
The Kerang Water Tower will also host a grand finale presentation on July 16 from 8.45pm, featuring projections on the water tower, followed by a hot supper.
“The projections will celebrate Kerang’s unique attributes, including its wildlife, history and people,” Mr O’Reilly said.
“Walking and cycling tours featuring locations where projections are displayed will be leaving regularly on the Friday night from Victoria Square.
Meanwhile, people wanting to learn about the work undertaken by Boort resident, Paul Haw and Dja Dja Wurrung descendants to preserve the indigenously significant Lake Boort will enjoy the screening of the feature movie, The Lake of Scars, occurring at Kerang Technical High School’s Thornely Hall on July 16 from 6.30pm.
“This Bill Code-directed film highlights how the indigenous and non-indigenous communities are working to preserve the scarred trees, middens and stone scatters close to the Gannawarra’s southern boundary,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Following the screening of The Lake of Scars, audience members will be encouraged to head to the Kerang Water Tower to enjoy the grand finale presentation.
Admission to the screening of The Lake of Scars is $10 for adults and free for children. To book your spot, visit www.trybooking.com/CARPL.
Kerang’s Living World is supported by Council through funding from the State Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative and Northern District Community Health Typien Kwe Children and Youth Program.
