Watch the introduction. (3 mins)

Djab Wurrung Heritage Embassy

Djab Wurrung embassy frontline have been on country for almost two years, protecting the identity and survival of the Djab Wurrung people.

There is a 12 kilometre stretch that has been threatened by state and federal governments that have given the approval of a highway duplication. Djab Wurrung country goes from Beaufort to Hamilton to Stawell and parts of Gariwerd (known as the Grampians). It’s an ongoing fight for first nation’s recognition and sovereignty in so-called Australia.

This portrait series is collaboration, created with some of the folks from the Embassy and Leo. The series was created to show the people of the Djab Wurrung camp and their connection to country and culture. Each painting features one of the sacred trees being protected and they sit in the land they protect.

Watch the documentaries

Zellanach DjabMara is a DjabWurrung Lore man and protector of sacred women's country. He is a born and initiated leader of his people.

Amanda Mahomet is an Arrente woman. She is a protector and a caretaker of the sacred DjabWurrung women's country, instilling her people's connection with country into her way of being.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Gunditjmara community led by Aunt Sandra Onus fought for the protection of Gunditjmara land in southwest Victoria.

Rebecca Jakobi is a Djabwurrung women born and living in Wathawurrung, Ballarat. She is passionate about protecting country and our scared sites and song lines to share with the next generation.

Zane Harris is a Palawa man that was born and raised on Djabwurrung country in Ararat, which is located near the Embassy.

Each outfit was chosen by the sitters to best showcase who they are: Some are outfits created by modern Aboriginal Artists, while others are the traditional outfits.

There are many uses for animal skins in the Djab Wurrung cutlture. Aunty Sandra wears a possum skin cloak and Manz wears a Kangaroo skin cloak.

There are many cultural artifacts that play a role in the lives of people on camp. Some that are featured in the portraits include a coolamon and a didgeridoo.

The country being protected includes many sacred trees, including two grandmother trees, or birthing trees, and the Directions Tree.

Part of protecting Country means protecting the wildlife. The Embassy land has several endangered species living on it. Each portrait features a different animal.

Langi Gharan means home of the Black cockatoo in the Djab Wurrung language. The 12 kilometre stretch that is being protected includes at the foothills of Langi Ghiran.

Created over many months of hard work, we hope this portrait series serves both as a testament to the strength of the protest as well as the long history of the Djab Wurrung people.

Video Credits:

Directed and painted by Avraham Vofsi

Cinematographer by Daniel von Czarnecki

Editor by Greta Robenstone

Artist Statement

These portraits are the record of a relationship that has developed over the last year between myself and these leaders. What you see is not just a depiction of these people, but also what is important to them about their home and thier culture. It is said that all portraits are self portraits, and in this series I am thinking about what it means for me to call this country home, and how to prioritise the first nations people that live here. For me the most powerful place to put my energy is by creating strong personal relationships, and helping foster these connections between the embassy and a wider audience.