These September school holidays, join the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) for a range of engaging public programs. Explore and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through hands-on activities, workshops, and family-friendly events. All workshops are free, bookings are essential.
Young Mob Open Studio 2025
Mon 22 Sept, 11am – 4pm
This is a culturally safe workshop reserved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. All accompanying adults welcome.
With the pending deadline for entries into the Koorie Art Show for Young Mob, we are inviting our young community of creatives to come along to make an artwork for the exhibition. We will have two dedicated and experienced artists to lend a hand and encourage you along: Brendan Kennedy (Tati Tati, Latji Latji, Mutti Mutti, Wadi Wadi, Weki Weki, Yita Yita, Nari Nari) and Teena Moffatt (Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai, Gunditjmara). We will also have an array of cultural materials and art supplies to inspire you – emu eggs, feathers, canvas stretchers, air dry clay and more.
Ochre Painting with Sammy Trist
Wed 24 Sept, 11am – 1pm
Open to all kids aged 5-12. All kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Join Sammy Trist (Taungurung) for a session of painting with natural ochre. You’ll have the opportunity to paint with a variety of ground ochre on different natural items including gum leaves and paperbark. Ochre is a natural earth pigment, a clay tinted by iron oxide, that is an important part of First Peoples culture. It is significant for its role in art, ceremony, healing, and as a symbol of connection to the land.
Make a Mini Coolamon
Wed 24 Sept, 2-4pm
Open to all kids ages 5-12. All kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Join artist and designer Sammy Trist (Taungurung) for a beautiful session of crafting a mini coolamon, furnished with real possum fur. A coolamon is a First Peoples vessel with curved sides sometimes used to carry babies. Possum fur is very significant in the First Peoples culture of Southeast Australia, as a material which provided warmth and cultural identity. This workshop will provide a space for creativity, connection, cultural learning and tactile exploration.
Dance Belts and Adornment
Sat 27 Sept, 11am – 3pm
This is a culturally safe workshop reserved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children only. All parents and carers of attending children are very welcome.
Tania Rossi (Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri), an educator at KHT, will guide kids and their carers in different techniques for making dance belts, arm bands, head attire and more using materials such as jute, raffia, emu feathers. Tania will yarn with the kids about culture, identity and her own cultural journey. This is a safe space for kids to express their identity and create something that reflects who they are and who they want to be.
Skateboard Art
Mon 29 Sept, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30-4pm
Open to all kids aged 7-12
Artist and designer Tricia Van Der-Kuyp (Wiradjuri) is hosting two separate sessions of her legendary skateboard art workshops for the school holidays. This special opportunity will give kids access to working side-by-side with a First Peoples artist who encourages breaking the rules of art. Each kid will have a blank skateboard deck on which to create their own mixed media artwork. Tricia will demonstrate a range of skills and techniques for explore their own style.
Paper Quilt Making
Tue 30 Sept, 10am-12noon and 1-3pm
Open to all adults & kids working together as a pair
Join Tricia Van Der-Kuyp (Wiradjuri) in one of two sessions, in a collaborative artistic project. Referencing traditional quilting block designs as well as personal symbols, Tricia will guide participants contributing to a larger paper quilt. Participants can create their contribution to the quilt by drawing, using paint, or collage. The end result will be transferred to a digital format which can then be printed.
Weaving workshop with Donna Blackall
Thu 2 Oct, 11.30am-3.30pm
This is a workshop suitable for all adults and older kids under supervision.
Join Donna Blackall (Yorta Yorta) to learn the craft of traditional coil weaving with natural materials. This workshop is part of our monthly weaving sessions, and we welcome those participants who have attended previously as well as beginners.
String Figures
Fri 3 Oct, 1-3.30pm
Open to all kids accompanied by an adult.
Join Aunty Glenda Nicholls (Waddi Waddi, Ngarrindjeri and Yorta Yorta) and Emma Salmon (Nyikina and Celtic) for a two part workshop for kids. Emma will lead a workshop on creating your own string for the workshop from different materials using a twining technique. Aunty Glenda will then go on to demonstrate the ancient craft of String Games or String Figures.
Learn the Art of Pine Needle Weaving
Sat 4 Oct, 11am-3.30pm
This workshop is suitable for adults with fine motor skills
Join Aunty Glenda Nicholls (Waddi Waddi, Ngarrindjeri and Yorta Yorta) in a very special and exclusive opportunity to learn the art of Pine Needle Weaving. Learn about the cultural significance of this craft, the material used, and the importance of Country.
All workshops are held at the Koorie Heritage Trust, Birrarung Building, Fed Square. Workshops are free, bookings essential. kht.org.au
