Melanie Koolmatrie’s Mardawi Bag Making

Step into a creative workshop with Ngarrindjeri, Boandi and Paramungk multidisciplinary artist Melanie Koolmatrie, where storytelling and making come together for the whole family.

It begins with a Dreaming story, shared by Melanie. From there, the group picks up pencils and pens, drawing the story as it unfolds across a pair of paper plates. Once every page is filled with colour and character, Melanie joins them together with raffia ties, transforming each pair into a handmade keepsake bag. Every participant heads home with their very own paper bag, carrying the story they've drawn and the memory of how it came to be.