WORDS and stories came to life on the water towers at Wattle Hill, with the special moment showing why it is important to have these memories recorded forever.
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As part of the Yarruwala Wiradjuri Cultural Festival, Western Riverina Arts and the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council recently held a poignant night at Wattle Hill where the stories of Elder Clarry Higgins were projected onto the water towers in the park at the centre of the community.
This oral history project was told through archival records, pre-recorded sound recordings, film and photographs projected onto the water tower at Wattle Hill while residents sat, listened and heard his memories of their community while the stars dotted above.
Mr Higgins shared many tales of what life was like growing up in Wattle Hill, sharing those experiences to ensure they can never be forgotten.
Western Riverina Arts executive director Aanya Whitehead said the project wasn't a film or documentary, rather an oral history project that shares thoughts and stories.
"The stories were directed related to Wattle Hill and Clarry's memories of those days," she said.
"All of those recordings are owned by Clarry, they are his personal stories.
"It was a great for it to be part of the festival and to also have people hear those stories.
"it was a magic night. Because of the way the towers are curved, having the projections up there really almost made it feel like it was 3D and Clarry was speaking directly at you from the sky."
Ms Whitehead hopes to conduct similar events at Wattle Hill in the near future and is determined to continue on with recording oral history from residents in the area.
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"It is a beautiful community there and I think it is important these stories and shared and told so they are not forgotten," she said.
"We can't thank Clarry enough. Everyone who was involved in the lead up and on the night had a wonderful time."
The event was titled Remembering Wattle Hill Projections.