Conversation: Siteworks 2011

This year’s Sitework’s Conversation discussed the changing landscape. The thematic of ‘passing through’ the land emerged as archeologist Dr Sue Feary revealed the outcomes of her Indigenous Cultural Heritage Management Plan for Bundanon and Human Geographer Dr Leah Gibbs responded with her research on ‘place and belonging’.

Artist Robyn Backen and her team of collaborators took us to the site on the river where the punt brought people to Bundanon in the nineteenth century to witness the eerie sounds of the inhabitants of the Trust’s Eearie Park farm – drawn from historical diaries.

There were walks to view flora and fauna with Andrew McGahey and (humourous) discussions about wombat behaviour with Dr Phil Borchard, who is investigating Bundanon’s own wombat colony. Artist Linda Dement shared her interactive artwork, commissioned by Bundanon, which reveals the parasite that feeds on host wombats as you walk through the pasture.

Pam Green from Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority reminded everyone of the important community environmental initiative, Love the River, which emerged from last year’s conversation and wide range of presenters elaborated on their work to date.

Siteworks is an ongoing series of interactive projects focusing on the unique Bundanon properties overlooking the Shoalhaven River. Throughout the year artists, scientists and scholars (the Siteworks Associates) undertake research and respond to the site through the lens of their specific discipline. Their findings are shared with the public at in annual Conversation.

Images (top to bottom): Linda Dement's digital installation; Pam Green, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority; Andrew McGahey; Sue Feary; Leah Gibbs (L) and Barbara Campbell (R).