Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, BGLC, is a finalist in the Tidy Towns and Cities sustainability awards for its Wotjobaluk Nations Festival and the ‘Our Place Our Story’ projection experience.

The festival showcased BGLC’s leadership in cultural revitalisation, storytelling and community celebration and acknowledged the 20-year celebration of Native Title recognition for the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people and the extensive cultural program BGLC delivered on Country in December, 2025. 

The festival brought together thousands of community members, families, elders, cultural leaders and partners at Dimboola’s Horseshoe Bend with a day of cultural workshops, dance, ceremony, language, art, storytelling and evening light projections. 

‘Our Place Our Story’, an
immersive, multi-site projection and light experience, was created in collaboration with Pink Lake Creative, Dalki Murrup Ceremonial Performance Group, The Dreaming Project, The Little Projector Company and Outlook Communications. 

The project illuminated the site with elders’ portraits, creation stories, dreaming patterns, possum skin cloak animations, interviews and artworks from Wotjobaluk Nations artists. 

BGLC was also recognised for ‘Our Place Our Story’ at the AITSIS Summit Awards earlier this year.  

The experience showcased the reclamation of Ebenezer Mission, celebrating the return of sacred land to traditional owners and the revival of cultural practice on Country. 

BGLC chief executive Chris Santagiuliana said the nomination reflected the strength and leadership of the Wotjobaluk Nations mob. 

“This recognition belongs to our elders, our families, our dancers, artists, storytellers and cultural leaders,” he said.

“The Wotjobaluk Nations Festival and ‘Our Place Our Story’ projection experience were created by community, for community, but they also showcased the living culture, resilience and pride of the Wotjobaluk Nations to everyone who attended.

“Being named a finalist in the Indigenous Culture category acknowledges the importance of celebrating stories, protecting cultural landscapes and ensuring young people see themselves reflected in the strength of their ancestors.” 

The Tidy Towns and Cities – Sustainability Awards recognise, celebrate and share environmental achievements and strong community spirit among a range of applicants including community groups, education institutions, businesses and councils across Victoria. 

Winners will be announced later this month.

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