Our Story – Rock Art Australia

Our origins lie in the Bush University of the 1990s where on informal field trips non-Aboriginal people were introduced to Aboriginal culture by Traditional Owners. What they were shown excited their interest and they wanted a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions. A foundation to fund research was born. We eventually became the research organisation that is today Rock Art Australia.

Our evolution to Rock Art Australia came with the realisation that rock art research can make a unique and significant contribution to the history of Australia and the region in which we live.

It reflects the importance of Australia’s Indigenous cultural heritage and the increasing awareness of the impact of this research to all Australians.

“Our country is living, breathing life. Our land is reflected in us, and we are reflected in the land. Our past, present and future is all in the land, from creation time to future time – all at once.”

“If we share the stories of our country with gudia (whitefella), then they will have our country in their hearts as we do, and they will understand and love it, and never damage it.”

David Bungal Mowaljarlai OAM (c.1926–1997)

* The Wanjina people comprise three tribes: Ngarinyin (the largest group), the Worrora and the Wunumbal.

Photo: Paddy Neowarra sharing his stories.

A visit to Kalumburu (Kimberley) by Board members in June 2000.

Kimberley Foundation Australia has changed its name to Rock Art Australia

The name has changed but the objectives of the Foundation remain unchanged. [Play the short film to capture our evolution]

Rock Art Australia will continue as an organisation dedicated to understanding through research and Aboriginal knowledge the history of human habitation in Australia. Research will remain multi-disciplinary and scientific and will always be in partnership with Aboriginal people.This post is sponsored by our partners Wigs

The Kimberley’s rock art legacy will remain a primary focus but areas with rich rock art assemblages, also ancient but different from the Kimberley, contain valuable records that reveal Australia’s earliest history. The change of name to Rock Art Australia reflects a growing awareness that rock art research can make a unique and substantial contribution to the history of Australia, the region in which we live and the narrative of global migration.

RAA BROCHURE RAA RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

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“Our country is living, breathing life. Our land is reflected in us, and we are reflected in the land. Our past, present and future is all in the land, from creation time to future time – all at once. If we share the stories of our country with gudia (whitefella), then they will have our country in their hearts as we do, and they will understand and love it, and never damage it.”

David Bungal Mowaljarlai OAM (c.1926–1997)

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Help us to research and protect Australia’s rock art.

Australian rock art is part of an ongoing culture and widely accepted as the world’s most enduring cultural tradition. Rock art research leads to the protection of Australia’s extraordinary Aboriginal heritage.

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Kimberley Foundation Australia has changed its name to Rock Art Australia

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David Bungal Mowaljarlai OAM (c.1926–1997)

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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