VIKKI PARSLEY

Photo by Rhett Wyman, Palawa man.

Vikki Parsley is a Murramarang Walbunja Yuin and Wiradjuri woman from the south coast of NSW.

As a child Vikki spent time on country listening to her Elders and family members learning the stories for country across Yuin lands.

The early teachings inspired Vikki to attend University where she studied B. Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) developing a career path in conservation and heritage spanning more than 25 years across Australia and internationally, having worked in NSW NPWS and now in her current role with Bush Heritage Australia as one of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Executives.

With a keen passion and love for her culture she has learnt traditional weaving techniques from countrymen and the importance and deep significance of the possum skin cloak making and revival. In 2011 Vikki was one of 12 custodians in Batemans Bay who worked to create the Walbunja guungara baraan (Walbunja possum cloak). She shares knowledge developing workshops with youth and community groups to pass on the practice.

These workshops have seen the creation of birthing cloaks (for mothers and buri groups), children’s cloaks, belonging and reconnecting to culture with victims from the former Cootamundra Girls Home to create healing through possum cloak making, academic cloaks celebrating graduations, displays and talks at various schools, Yuin djama dhugan – Speak of country 360 Virtual reality experiences, Art Galleries and festivals.

‘Passing on these practices is sharing the hopes and dreams of our ancestors for future generations, keeping country and our people strong’