Djon Mundine OAM, STA Elder in Residence 2026/27
Djon Mundine OAM is a proud Bandjalung man living on Gundungurra and Dharawal country in the Southern Highlands in the heart of the STA region.
The STA Elder in Residence is an Ambassadorial and cultural advisory role supports the STA team to develop programs and opportunities for First Nations Creatives.
There are many language groups who live and meet across the region where STA operates. Main groups include; Wiradjuri Country coming in from the west, across the north is Gundungurra and Tharawal Country, the south is Ngunnawal Country, and the east is Yuin Country.
Djon is a curator, writer, artist and activist and is celebrated as a foundational figure in the criticism and exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art.
Djon had his first Stories from the Studio feature in 2022 to share his quite extraordinary exhibition the Dingo Project at Ngununggula. The story features multiple videos of Djon sharing works in the show and is compelling viewing. Watch NOW.
Djon’s second Stories from the Studio feature in 2026 showcased his publication – Windows and Mirrors. Watch NOW.
Always Will Be! by Djon Mundine – Statement dressing!
In 2022 Djon curated The Dingo Project at Ngununggula. To celebrate STA commissioned Djon to create a design from his Always will be! wall mural in the exhibition. You can make a statement in his gear knowing all profits go back to support the Artist. GET YOURS NOW
“Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land” reasserts that the very first footprints on this continent were those belonging to First Nations peoples, and that their sovereignty of this Country has never been ceded. It is a clear declaration that First Nations people are still here and are never leaving. A statement of resilience, survival, deep connection and celebration.
Past Elder in Residence
Djon follows in the footsteps of our first Elder in Residence the amazing Aunty Enid Clake who supported us in the role in 2023. Aunty Enid remains deeply connected to STA as a Elder, community leader and Artist.
Aunty Enid Clarke, Wiradjuri Elder and Senior Knowledge Holder living on Wiradjuri Country in Young is the inaugural STA Elder in residence.
Enid is an exhibiting artist who supports the whole community to learn more about Wiradjuri culture through cultural training and walks on country.
Find out more about the Wiradjuri connection to Country, Yesterday Stories Young region with Enid Clarke Indigenous Elder.
Enid is connected to Young High School and the Wiradjuri learning and cultural centre at Young Library
The rug in the Wiradjuri learning and cultural centre at Young Library is based on a painting by Aunty Enid and represents…
The hills of Brungle and the slopes of Young. This is strong Wiradjuri county and these are the colours of Mother Earth. The black road and the white dots represent some of the song line journeys that we still use today that are thousands of years old. Songlines are journeys of knowledge in the form of a map and each place contains cultural knowledge that is taught to all. Learn more about the Wiradjuri language program at Young High School
Wiradjuri Learning Resources
‘We Learn on Country’ Part 1, Produced by Dean Kinlyside is a fabulous resource developed with Young High School with the support of the Young Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and the Young Local Aboriginal Lands Council.
‘We Learn on Country 2 – Ngiyanhi Yalbilinya Ngurambang-ga’ Launched early 2024.
The STA Board and Regional Advisory Panel of Council representatives were honoured to spend a day learning on County with Aunty Enid in June 2024
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands where we create, live & work.
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