The launch of the Wiradjuri Ngurambang Exhibition at Parkes Library & Cultural Centre will include a talk by two prominent guests to make for a very interesting and informative event.
Beau Williams and Bruce Pascoe will be at the centre on Tuesday, 26th July from 6-7:30pm for the First Languages Australia talk. Beau Williams is the CEO of FirstLanguages Australia, an organisation that works to maintain and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across Australia.
Bruce Pascoe will be discussing his award-winning book, Dark Emu, which offers an alternative perspective of Australia’s First Nations, a history that for many Australians has been largely silenced.
Over the past 250 years significant environmental and cultural knowledge of Australia’s First Nations people has been lost or has become fragmented, including many of the languages that were spoken across Australia. More recently, there has been lots of work undertaken to preserve and revive First Nations languages, knowledge and culture.
In the Parkes Shire many schools are teaching the Wiradjuri language to children.
“We are honoured to be hosting such esteemed guests as part of this First Languages Australia talk,” said Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services Kerryn Jones said. “Both Beau and Bruce have such a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with the community.”
This is a free event, but bookings are required as places are limited. Visit Parkes Shire Council’s website or Facebook page, or contact the Parkes Library on 6861 2309. The Wiradjuri Ngurambang Exhibition is a permanent display, located in the Parkes Library & Cultural Centre.