Muttima - The Indigenous Contemporary Pole Installation

Three poles have been completed and installed, made possible by a grant of $6000 from the Shoalhaven City Arts Board. The three poles were carved by Uncle Noel Wellington from the local Jerrinja Community and are a traditional but contemporary representation of the use of Callala Bay by the Jerrinja.

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Volunteers installed the poles to specifications supplied by Uncle Noel Wellington and the Shoalhaven City Council.

We are in consultation with the Jerrinja LLAC to provide a permanent interpretation near each of the poles:

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• One pole 'Ripples' depicts the bully mullet - Bully Mullet were a staple food source of the Jerrinja. The schools of mullet creaated ripples on the surface in feeding frenzies. It was these ripples which alerted the Jerrinja to the runs of mullet.

• 'Bully Mullet' - using hand woven nets and fishing from traditional canoes, the Jerrinja would follow and net the mullet, often directed by land based observers from the Headland..

• 'Dolphins' - dolphins (gerringans) have always been an integral part of Callala Bay and Jerrinja tradiitons. Love and respect for these magnificent creatures is still evident in the Bay today by all communities.

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The poles, using recycled fallen trees, have been erected on the Callala Headland adjacent to the path.

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​​©Copyright of the designs on the poles remains with Uncle Noel Wellington.  Photos: Lara Geerdink - a junior trying out new skills, enjoying July 2017 school holidays, with relatives in Callala Bay.