Barka: The Forgotten River

The health of Barka affects us all. Learn how you can support the river by listening to those that have cared for it since time immemorial.

Barka: The Forgotten River is an exhibition developed by Uncle Badger Bates and Justine Muller with the Barkandji community.

Barka (the Darling River) is more than a body of water; Barka is a mother, an Ancestor, a life source, and in peril, along with everyone that lives along it. Stories, culture, knowledge and people in this exhibition advocate for the health and future of Barka.

This exhibition has now closed at the Australia Museum.

The exhibition's thematic sections

Barka - Uncle Badger Bates on the shore of Emu Lake - 7 Dec 2022

Barka: Meet the artists

Meet the artists behind the exhibition Barka: The Forgotten River, developed Uncle Badger Bates and Justine Muller with the Barkandji community.

Barka - Emu print - Kinchenga National Park - 6 Dec 2022

Limitations of Native Title

Native Title is intended to recognise the land and water rights of First Nations peoples, however this is not a simple fix.

Print, 'Barka the Forgotten River and desecration of Menindee Lake', paper, Badger Bates, New South Wales, Australia

The Menindee fish kills

Learn more about the Menindee fish kill event that caught the world’s attention.

Barka - Sunset of Lake Menindee - 8 Dec 2022

The Ramsar Convention

Learn about Ramsar Protected Sites and how they are essential to preserving biological diversity.

Uncle Badger speaks about his Ngatyi sculpture and the Lore of his people.

Save our Ngatyi (Rainbow Serpents)

Learn about Uncle Badger Bates’ Rainbow Serpent sculpture on display in Australian Museum's Hintze Hall.

Major Partner

The Balnaves Foundation - black circle