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Dharug Voices: Jessica Tobin

November 29, 2024 12:00 am
Parramatta, New South Wales

Dharug Voices: Celebrating Culture, Legacy, and Connection

Dharug Voices brings to life the stories of the Dharug people, stretching from the mountains to the sea. By supporting and commissioning new works by First Nations Dharug artists, this project fosters cultural preservation and highlights the ongoing relevance of Dharug storytelling.

Central to this initiative is the understanding that art and Country are intrinsically linked. Reconnecting with Country strengthens both the spirit and the creative process, ensuring that each story carries the profound truth of its origins.

A recent highlight of Dharug Voices was a transformative experience led by Jessica Tobin, a Dharug artist, curator, and educator. Jessica hosted the Still Growing Youth Collective on her Country in Springwood, offering them an intimate connection with Dharug land and stories.

Watch the latest Dharug Voices installment below!

Produced by: Akala Newman and Tannika Keaton
Videographer: Thanandon Films (Laurence Thanadon Creevy)
Sponsored by: RISE Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

An integral aspect of Dharug Voices is its commitment to working with the community. By collaborating with knowledge holders like Jessica Tobin, we ensure that our projects are deeply rooted in protocol and reciprocity. This community-focused approach allows us to:

Preserve: Ensuring that the stories and artworks we share are genuine reflections of Dharug culture.
Empower Artists: Providing artists with the opportunity to reconnect with their heritage, enriching their creative expression.
Cultural Exchange: Creating spaces where knowledge can be shared, and cultural understanding can be deepened both within and beyond the Dharug community.
Sustain Traditions: By engaging with community elders and knowledge holders, we help sustain and pass on important cultural traditions to future generations.

Art as a Living Legacy

Jessica shared her family’s legacy as daughter of Uncle Chris Tobin. Her deep cultural and artistic roots shone, weaving personal history with the broader narrative of Dharug resilience. Her heartfelt recounting of her relationship with her late mentor and Elder, Uncle Wes, resonated deeply. This artwork stands as a testament to his wisdom and his enduring influence on the Dharug community.

Jessica’s work with Dharug Voices is a powerful example of how art can sustain and amplify cultural identity. By walking on Country, the Still Growing Youth Collective experienced the richness of Dharug culture in a tangible, meaningful way. It wasn’t just a journey of understanding but a call to action: to nurture and protect these stories for future generations.

Continuing the Dharug Story

As we reflect on this year’s achievements, ACE is proud to witness how projects like Dharug Voices deepen the connection between art, community, and heritage. Jessica Tobin’s leadership and artistry remind us that cultural legacies are not static—they grow, adapt, and thrive through the creativity and dedication of those who carry them forward.

Let us celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Dharug culture, honour its storytellers, and support the vital work of sharing these stories far and wide.

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An integral aspect of Dharug Voices is its commitment to working with the community. By collaborating with knowledge holders like Jessica Tobin, we ensure that our projects are deeply rooted in protocol and reciprocity. This community-focused approach allows us to:

Preserve: Ensuring that the stories and artworks we share are genuine reflections of Dharug culture.

Empower Artists: Providing artists with the opportunity to reconnect with their heritage, enriching their creative expression.

Cultural Exchange: Creating spaces where knowledge can be shared, and cultural understanding can be deepened both within and beyond the Dharug community.

Sustain Traditions: By engaging with community elders and knowledge holders, we help sustain and pass on important cultural traditions to future generations.