Description
Marrawuddi is owned and controlled by the Mirarr clan through their representative organisation the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (GAC).
The Mirarr are the Traditional Owners of parts of Kakadu and Western Arnhem Land as well as the town of Jabiru, the Ranger and Jabiluka uranium deposits and the Bowali visitors centre where the Marrawuddi is located.
Senior Mirarr Women Yvonne Margarula and Nida Mangarrbar welcome you. "Bininj culture is really strong. You have to look after country. For your grandfather's country and mother country, you need to take care." Yvonne Margarula, Mirarr Senior Traditional Owner. Senior Mirarr Women Yvonne Margarula and Nida Mangarrbar welcome you.
"Bininj culture is really strong. You have to look after country. For your grandfather's country and mother country, you need to take care." Yvonne Margarula, Mirarr Senior Traditional Owner.
The Mirarr established GAC in 1995 and for many years the organisation focussed on land rights and political advocacy, dedicated to protecting Mirarr land and lives from imposed uranium mining. In the years following the success of their campaign to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine the Mirarr have expanded the focus of GAC to include social, cultural, educational and other activities to enhance the lives of Mirarr and other Aboriginal people in Kakadu. Mirarr also maintain their focus on the Ranger uranium mine which continues to operate and impact on Mirarr land.
Profits from Marrawuddi are used to fund Gundjeihmi’s dynamic local initiatives including the DjidbiDjidbi Residential College which has seen a dramatic improvement in both school attendance and educational results for Mirarr students. Other GAC projects such as the Gunbang Action Group and the Djurrubu Rangers are engaging aboriginal people across Kakadu and providing culturally appropriate options for improved health and employment.
Map
Directions
Marrawuddi Gallery is located at the major public hub of Kakadu National Park– the Bowali Visitor Centre. Which is 5kms south of the township of Jabiru
Bowali Visitor Information Centre
Bowali – a Gundjeihmi name for the immediate area and creek that runs though this locale. This land is owned by the people of the Mirarr clan
The internationally acclaimed building was collaboration between architects Glen Murcutt (winner Prizker Prize 2002), Troppo Architects of Darwin and the Traditional owners of Kakadu. Main building components used are of hard timbers, rammed earth, steel plate, corrugated iron and glass.
The oblique approach to Bowali Visitor Information centre is a meander from car park through the bush and as explained by Big Bill Neidjie is the correct and respectful approach to sacred and important sites.
“We soon understood that the project was more about connections with the landscape and path, than a series of spaces.”
Glenn Murcutt – joint architect
Design concepts of Bowali took on board those of rock shelters in the nearby stone country of the great Arnhem Plateau, of vaulted ceilings, cool niches and areas of discovery.
Much of the building is open with interpretive displays of country and ecology, leading the visitor inside and out the other side to more verandahs and bush surrounds. Bowali Information centre also incorporates a theatrette, coffee shop and our Gallery. Kakadu National Park Headquarters is housed at Bowali.