Aunty Kim Wandin
Aunty Kim Wandin is a Wurundjeri Elder of the Woiwurrung language group. She has lived and worked on Country in Healesville, Victoria, her entire life. Her traditional basket making has been handed down to her by direct lineage: from her Grandmother, her Great Grandmother and the Ancestors. Aunty Kim’s work represents a significant cultural position within the South East of Victoria as part of an important group of arts practitioners. Her work adheres to and references traditional cultural practices.
“I am a Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung Woman. My traditional family name is ‘Wandoon’ which means ‘spirit of the water.’ My family and I still live ‘On Country’.
The art of using reeds to make eel traps and baskets is a tradition handed down to me by my Nanna Ollie, who was taught by Granny Jemima (at Coranderrk). I am intending to pass this on to my own granddaughter.
I collect my reeds on my Country and hang them to dry in the sun. When they are dried, I soak them in water to make them flexible and ready to use. My work contains the spirit of my Ancestors, reflecting their strength and resilience.”
IUK (eel) Trap Weaving
“This trap is based on a bundled coil technique which was taught by my Nana Ollie. Its form holds the essence of those eel traps made by my ancestors.
Short-finned eels journey from fresh to salt water, and then the young return to fresh water from salt water. The trap honours their extraordinary journey and life cycle. It also acknowledges the precious nature of Birrarung’s waterways. Water flows through the trap like our ancestral spirits who keep flowing through our lives.
Eel traps are a wonderful example of simple, effective sustainable technology that served First Nations people for thousands of years. This eel trap captures the essence of a sustainable lifestyle as practiced by my ancestors and acts as a reminder that they are always present, guiding me.”
Projects
Aunty Kim Wandin’s contributions to Murrup Biik projects blend traditional cultural practices, mentoring, and ceremonial leadership, creating spaces for healing, reflection, and cross-cultural dialogue.