The Koori Coast

The Koori Coast exhibition retells the story of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal people. Objects in the "Cone of Smoke" rising from the "Campfire" symbolize the many ways in which Aboriginal identity is expressed. Individual panels explain their significance.

Shell boxes and carved wooden miniature artefacts represent the tradition of crafting souvenirs from local materials. A surfboard stands for the sporting life of local Aboriginal people. Remembering Aboriginal ancestors is indicated by the replica of Budd Billy II's breastplate.

The working life of Aboriginal people is demonstrated by a large fishing net. The concept of Aboriginal dreaming is captured in an eel trap, woven from traditional materials. A lively tradition of protesting against discrimination is indicated by a protest banner.

Breastplate
Budd Billy II, to whom this breastplate was given, was born around 1815 and died on 31 May 1905. He and his wife Mary, who lived to over a hundred and died on the 26 February 1926, had many names; his included Jimmy Goulding, King Golden, King Jimmy and Jimmy Carpenter; and hers included Queen Golden, Mary Goulding, Mary Golden and Queen Mary.

They lived at Bilong (now Myola) opposite Huskisson on the Currambene Creek, and had five children. Their descendants, including members of the Speechley and Kennedy families, still live in the district.

Tool Technology
The Lady Denman Heritage Complex houses a large collection of local Aboriginal artefacts, in particular a large number of stone artefacts. The South Coast Collection is our biggest collection of stone artefacts; it consists of over 1,700 artefacts which have all been identified by archaeological staff. This collection is not on public display, but further information is available for those who are interested in local stone tool technology.

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