Visitors to Barooga, west of Yarrawonga on the Murray River, can take a step back in time while enjoying Australia's first permanent interactive laser light and sound experience.
The Bullanginya Dreaming Luna Light Journey, blends Aboriginal insights with the elemental forces of light, water, and fire into a spectacular audio visual experience.
Located on the banks of the Bullanginya Lagoon, the immersive laser light show takes visitors on a 1.8 kilometre journey through the region's Indigenous history, with 12 light activations telling the stories of the Bangerang People.
The 60-90-minute experience, which aims to entertain and educate visitors on the significance of local flora, fauna and Country, has been named in Tourism Australia's July 'Hot List' of destinations.
More than 2,500 visitors have visited the experience so far injecting some $200,000 in direct tourism related spending.
Many visitors are staying in town and visiting other attractions, eating out and shopping, and well over a third of visitors are coming from more than 50km away.
Before starting the project, developer Barooga Sports Club, engaged with the traditional owners of the area, the Bangerang people, to ensure the experience reflects the cultural significance of the land and its stories.
Local Elder Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson, founder of A.C.H.E (Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education), has been a key partner throughout the three-year planning and development process.
As a proud Bangerang man, Uncle Darren says the finished product has exceeded his expectations and reflects the deep cultural heritage of his people.
Aboriginal Artist Rebecca Atkinson is the behind the light show, with her artwork serving as the inspiration for each of the twelve light activations.
Culturally significant discoveries were made during the project, including birthing trees which were sacred places of women's business.
Supporting the local Aboriginal people was a key driver for the project with staff completing cultural immersion training, and 10 per cent of the sales of all merchandise going back to the Bangerang community
Bullanginya Dreaming is an accessible tourism attraction with pathways designed to accommodate visitors with disability or mobility issues.
The exhibition received funding from the NSW State Government, Federal Government and Barooga Sports Club, the creator of the project.
For more information and tickets go to: https://bullanginyadreaming.com.au/
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"We know regional NSW is home to some stunning sights and the combination of the natural beauty of the Murray River region and this light and sound show is no exception.
"This project is also a great example of what can be achieved through partnership between the community and Aboriginal businesses and government."
"The NSW Government is committed to growing a vibrant visitor economy across the state by supporting a diverse range of visitor experiences, driven by locals, who know their communities best.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"The Bangerang people have taken inspiration from their Country and stories to create a dynamic, innovative installation that is putting their town on the tourist map.
"The NSW Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal communities in their efforts to protect, revive, celebrate and sustain their cultural heritage, and Bullanginya Dreaming Luna Light Journey is a wonderful example of this."
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director of Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Andrew Higgins said:
"This project is a community-led initiative that beautifully showcases the Bangerang people's rich cultural heritage and ongoing spiritual connection to Country.
"It's inspiring to see how this project not only celebrates Aboriginal culture but provides social and economic benefits to partnering Aboriginal businesses, with profits from the tours and merchandise supporting the Bangerang Corporation and local Aboriginal artists."
Exhibit founder and Sporties CEO Bobby Brooks said:
"This exhibit offers visitors an experience like no other, through light and art, Bullanginya Dreaming cultivates unity, respect and appreciation for the rich legacy of the Bangerang people.
"This captivating spectacle transcends time and strengthens the bond between the community and its local Indigenous heritage with something for everyone to enjoy and learn from whether that's families, the young, old, school groups, locals or visitors to the region."
Local Elder Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson said:
"It's been amazing for the Bangerang people to have this recognition of our culture and our stories.
"Bullanginya Dreaming is about learning and understanding local culture and local history, and also increasing the knowledge of our First Nations."
Local artist Rebecca Atkison said:
"My artwork tells a story, whether it's about scar trees, birthing trees, or bush medicine, my artwork tells people about the First Nation's rich history, right here in our own backyard.
"Much of my art features the land, water, sky and wildlife and the reason why those elements are so important - it tells the story of how we are all connected to the world around us."
