A celebration of outstanding practice that recognises excellence in conservation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage, 2024 marks the 30th year of the annual awards.

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This year’s winners will be announced at an awards ceremony event on Friday 17 May at Doltone House in Pyrmont NSW.

A partnership between Art of Multimedia and Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC), the Murrook Culture Centre’s recently completed and immersive digital interpretation project is a finalist in the ‘Aboriginal Heritage’ and ‘Education and Interpretation’ categories of this year’s awards.

A community-led, cutting-edge digital interpretation experience where Elders personally welcome visitors and share intimate family stories and Worimi history, the bespoke and permanent digital exhibition and experience project captures Country in its splendour, with large-scale interactive cultural stories immersing visitors in Worimi culture and Gathang language.

Commenting on the Murrook Culture Centre exhibition, Andrew Smith, WLALC CEO said, “Our culture is living, and what is living?

“Living is movement, evolution, change by design, so now we can call ourselves ‘Abodigitals’ instead of Aboriginals.”
More than 50 rich and diverse heritage projects from across the state feature in the 2024 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards shortlist.

“The high quality of entries created robust discussions between the judges this year,” said Matthew Devine, Chair of the National Trust Heritage Awards Jury.

Devine was joined on the panel by esteemed jurors Ann Toy, Barrina South, Dr Caitlin Allen, David Burdon, Kathryn Pitkin AM, Dr Libby Gallagher and Peter John Cantrill.

Speaking specifically about Murrook Cultural Centre, the 2024 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards judging panel described the project as: “A very impressive and important self-funded project located right on the tourist trail.

“Strong local engagement and innovative use of technology has resulted in a truly immersive experience that allows Aboriginal people to tell their own stories.”

Debbie Mills, CEO of the National Trust (NSW), said, “The response to the 30th annual Heritage Awards has been phenomenal.”

Penny Sharpe, Minister for Heritage, said the incredibly diverse finalist line-up showcases the important work happening across New South Wales to conserve and enhance connection to heritage.

Port Stephens Deputy Mayor Leah Anderson said, “Congratulations to Murrook Culture Centre for being a double finalist in the 2024 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.

“I was invited to attend the official opening of the immersive digital interpretation exhibition last year, and I was absolutely amazed with the use of technology to create the immersive cultural experience.

“I had never seen anything like this before.

“I would definitely recommend a visit out to Murrook to check out this cutting edge cultural experience, and I wish Murrook all the best for taking out a win in these categories,” she said.

Doug Cross of the Tomaree Museum Association told News Of The Area, “The Tomaree Museum Association (TMA) believe it is so important for our young people and future generations to know and understand the difficulties, challenges and successes of our ancestors.

“An understanding and appreciation of how our society and culture has developed gives us the pride and knowledge to fit into our society and strive to improve our lives even further.

“It is for these reasons that TMA fully supports the nomination of the Murrook Culture Centre’s great work and their nomination for the National Trust Heritage Awards,” he said.

By Marian SAMPSON