Oyster reefs were once a dominant part of our coastal seascape. Globally, it is estimated that 85% of shellfish reefs have been lost – more than any other type of marine habitat.
Bidhiinja: restoring our oyster reefs, on now at Forster Civic Centre atrium, tells the forgotten history of oyster reefs in New South Wales and the work underway to restore these important ecosystems.
It invites audiences to learn about the past, present and future of oyster reefs in Australia and the benefits that they provide to communities and the environment.
Augmented reality (AR) allows you to bring an oyster reef to life across the exhibition, and interactives invite you to see what can be found in a midden, turn the wheel to see what a healthy ecosystem looks like, or open the door to explore the art and design of oyster shell.
See the future of our healthy Australian coasts in this beautiful exhibition combining First Nations knowledge, western science, and design, including illustrations by exhibition artist and Yaegl woman Frances Belle Parker.
"Oyster reefs were an important resource for our Worimi and Biripi peoples, to this day oysters remain an important part of our local industry bringing over $10.5 million to the local economy according to NSW Dept. Industry and Investment Aquaculture production data" said Alex Mills, MidCoast Council Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services.
"We encourage everyone to come down and experience this important exhibition to learn more about oyster reefs in an interactive and engaging way".
Bidhiinja is presented by the Australian National Maritime Museum in collaboration with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) NSW Oyster Reef Restoration Project.
It will tour NSW regional venues from 2024-2025.
This exciting collaboration is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Marine Estate Management Strategy, which aims to deliver a healthy coast and sea, managed for the greatest wellbeing of the community, now and into the future.
Bidhiinja: restoring our oyster reefs is on display at Forster Civic Centre until 15 March 2025.
Entry to the exhibition is free.
