Tech meets tradition: Curtin and Dockers showcase Indigenous creativity

A 3D animation of a former AFLW player and an immersive virtual reality ‘Welcome to Country’ experience were among the inspiring creative projects on display last night at ‘Yoowarl Koorl: ReconciliAction and Indigenous Futures’, a showcase event highlighting Indigenous voices, cultural resilience and a shared commitment to ‘reconciliAction’.

Hosted by Curtin University the event celebrated a series of innovative, collaborative research projects created by Indigenous Fremantle Dockers past players together with researchers from Curtin’s Faculty of Humanities, presenting powerful stories of identity, community and cultural connection through creative expression.

Curtin’s Dean of Indigenous Futures, Associate Professor Mandy Downing, said the showcase was a visually impressive  and thought-provoking display of creativity.

“These unique creative projects exemplify Curtin’s dedication to Indigenous engagement, reconciliAction and innovation,” Associate Professor Downing said.

“Yoowarl Koorl, meaning ‘come this way’ in Noongar, is part of our ongoing journey of reconciliAction, creating a meaningful space for Indigenous stories, voices and creativity.

“The project is a continuation of Curtin’s long-running partnership with the Fremantle Football Club, and celebrates a remarkable AFL record where Fremantle had at least one Indigenous player take to the field during an AFL match over an incredible 30-year streak, demonstrating reconciliAction.”

The four key projects that featured at the showcase event combined cultural heritage with advanced technology and storytelling, including a podcast done by former Fremantle player Troy Cook and Curtin journalism lecturer Dr Glynn Greensmith, in which Cook reflects on personal growth, community impact and the importance of Indigenous storytelling.

Another project, produced at the Curtin HIVE by Cassandra Edwards, Dr Kerreen Ely Harper and former AFLW player Alicia Janz offered an immersive virtual reality ‘Welcome to Country’ experience.

A collaboration involving former player Dale Kickett, writer Dr David Whish-Wilson and animator Jonathan Pillai, both from Curtin, produced a 3D animation portraying Dale Kickett’s story, combining visual art with Indigenous narrative.

Also on display were the results of a song workshop led by renowned Indigenous author John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kim Scott which explored the power of music as a medium for sharing community stories. Professor Scott collaborated with Dockers legend Jeff Farmer who lent his voice to an Indigenous language and stories project.

Attendees engaged with these projects through interactive displays and VR headsets, while a short film produced by project co-ordinator Dr Michelle Johnston and telling the stories of the projects’ creation was screened.

The event gave attendees a firsthand and interactive experience of the innovative ways Curtin is working in partnership with the Fremantle Football Club to support Indigenous storytelling and cultural integrity.