App unlocks ancient stories of Mungo National Park

This innovative app brings ancient stories of the Barkandji/Paakantyi, Mutthi Mutthi and Ngiyampaa communities to life through narrations by living Traditional Custodians and animated illustrations by students from Mildura Primary School and Ngiyampaa artist, Nola Taylor.

Barkandji/Paakantyi Traditional Owner Uncle Ivan Johnston, one of the collaborators on the project, emphasises the significance of the Willandra Lakes.

'The Willandra Lakes [region] is a very special place, as it tells us about how our ancestors once lived, evidence of how they survived an ice age, clues to what animals they ate and how they hunted them.'

'Not only is this place significant for Aboriginal people but also for non-Aboriginal people to learn about human history,' Uncle Ivan Johnston said.

Over 7 years, 42 community members dedicated more than 3,000 hours in developing the creative interpretations and app, using modern day technology to reclaim their narrative of cultural stories.

For the community it was a big commitment and a real collaboration between 3 traditional Tribal Groups of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area – the Barkandji/Paakantyi, Mutthi Mutthi and Ngiyampaa communities, along with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and SharingStories Foundation.

Located in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage area, visitors can explore the rich Aboriginal history of Mungo National Park in South-Western NSW, uncovering 10 stories amidst the ancient landscape.

The Mungo Stories: Walk Together culture app is designed to complement tours run by the Mungo National Park's Aboriginal Discovery Rangers, which offer visitors the opportunity to 'go beyond the boardwalk'.

Mungo Stories: Walk Together app is now available to download on Apple and Android devices.

While you have to be on Country to access the features of the app, you can view some of the stories, knowledge, artworks, animations and photographs in the online interactive e-book, Leave it there for the next little fellas.

This project aligns with Australia's commitment to the principals of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and is supported by the Office for the Arts' Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

About SharingStories Foundation

SharingStories Foundation works with Indigenous communities to preserve language, stories and cultural heritage through digital technologies and art forms. Its digital storytelling programs support intergenerational transmission between Elders and young people on Country and the development of culturally significant media including drawings, paintings, animations, recording of soundscapes and music composition relating to the knowledge shared.

Find out more

• Explore our Indigenous Arts and Languages grant opportunity closing on 25 November 2024.
• Read more about the Mungo Stories: Walk Together app.