Mother's Day Under the Mother Tree

Happy Mother’s Day to Mandy Nicholson, a Wurundjeri-willam / Dja Dja wurrung / Ngurai illum wurrung mother helping other women to find a renewed sense of pride in their Aboriginal heritage.

Courtesy the artists and GARUWA

Mandy Nicholson is a Wurundjeri-willam / Dja Dja wurrung / Ngurai illum wurrung woman surrounded by strong women, with three sisters, two daughters and too many aunties to count. Mandy is committed to supporting women on the journey of learning culture, history, language, ceremony, song and dance, helping them find a renewed sense of pride in their Aboriginal identity. One way she does this is through the Djirri Djirri women’s dance group (featured here).  

baban darrang means ‘mother tree’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri-willam peoples, the custodians of the land where Science Gallery Melbourne stands. banan darrang explores the ways we embody, grow, nurture and transmit knowledge and culture.  

Directed by award-winning Worimi artist Genevieve Grieves, this film celebrates Mandy Nicholson’s journey to revive culture and knowledge and share it with women and young ones. Here, she stands tall and grounded in the strength of becoming a powerful knowledge-holder connected with Country and Ancestors. 

“Life may get tough and your journey may waver, but culture is always there to fall back on and remind you who you are” - Mandy Nicholson.  

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Created by Genevieve Grieves (Worimi)  

Starring Mandy Nicholson (Wurundjeri-willam / Dja Dja wurrung / Ngurai illum wurrung)  

Featuring the Djirri Djirri women's dance group (Wurundjeri) performers Mandy Nicholson, Scacie Piper, Mikayla George, Nanjera Pender, Djirra Pender, Fenna Piper, Lily Thomas-Burdich  

Produced by Andrea Distefano  

Cinematography by Sky Davies  

Edited by Josh Burns  

With sound design by Jenn Leonforte