New museum's garden artwork recovered four lost First Nations words
When Powerhouse Parramatta opens on Saturday, five bronze plaques imprinted with eucalyptus clippings will celebrate the forgotten botanical work of an Indigenous man.
In the bustling heart of Western Sydney's CBD, a lush garden oasis has emerged, honoring a significant figure in local flora history. The new Powerhouse Parramatta, set to open this Saturday, showcases an artwork featuring bronze plaques imprinted with eucalyptus clippings, dedicated to the late Daniel Moowattin. Moowattin, a Burramattagal man, played a crucial role in documenting the region's flora, yet his contributions were largely overlooked in official records.
The museum aims to rectify this historical silence by highlighting Moowattin's legacy and reconnecting the community with Dharug language and traditions. Artist Keg de Souza collaborated with Dharug elder Uncle Chris Tobin to trace Moowattin's documented work, uncovering four forgotten Dharug words related to eucalyptus species.
These words, including Dhuramba for Eucalypt Paniculata, will be formally published by Bayala Aboriginal Corporation, helping to restore Moowattin's place in history and foster a deeper understanding of Aboriginal heritage in Parramatta.
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