The vast installation, barrangal dyara, ‘skin and bones’ in the Gadigal language of the first peoples of Sydney, recalls the 19th century Garden Palace building’s original site, before it tragically aburnt to the ground only 185 days after it opened, destroying countless Aboriginal objects collected for 100 years along the colonial frontier.

Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Jonathon Jones responds to this immense cultural and ethnographic loss by collaborating with language groups around Sydney and south-east Australia to reframe this significant part of history.

A native kangaroo grassland covering 20,000 square metres will feature thousands of ceramic shields, soundscapes, Indigenous language, performances, talks, and workshops each day.

Local students and community members from indigenous and non-indigenous backgrounds worked with Jonathon Jones and Gumbaynggirr man Michael Jarrett on language recordings as part of a recent SLIKK camp (Student Leadership for Koori Kids).

The group is currently fundraising to travel to Sydney next month to perform at the opening and to visit other ethnographic and cultural collections in museums and galleries around Sydney.

SLIKK Co-ordinator Jenni Farrands said it was “a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity for students to be a part of an experience which could open their eyes to so many future paths and helps all students, indigenous and non-indigenous, embrace the importance of our shared history and culture.”

So far SLIKK and the students have raised just over half the money needed – and are working hard to make up the difference.

Donations are gladly accepted – for more information contact Jenni Farrands via email jennifer.farrands@det.nsw.edu.au or mobile 0422 346220.