Buniya Yaluk – Redgum Island, 2007, Glenn Romanis and Mark Trinham, Wadawurrung Country, Fyansford, Outdoor Collection
BUNIYA YALUK, REDGUM ISLAND
• Buniya Yaluk means ‘place of eels in the river’ in Wadawurrung language.
• This eye-catching sculpture on Redgum Island is a carving depicting the leaf of the River Red-gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) with arboreal bird species, including lorikeets and the Swift Parrot, inhabitants of these grand trees. These birds, and many other animals, need the trees flower nectar for food, hollows for nesting and canopies for socialising and shelter.
• Created in 2017, the sculpture is complemented by a stone wall, reflecting a long history of using basalt rock to create walls, fences, fish traps and homes by both the Wadawurrung peoples and European settlers. The timber seat represents the Southern and Yarra Pygmy Perch.
We Acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We Acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.
Cover Image credit: Ten Years of Dowel Jones
Photo: Cricket Studio
Welcome to spring at the Museum
Spring is all about design and partnerships as we head towards Geelong Design Week and cement our commitment to Geelong UNESCO City of Design.
We are thrilled to partner with designers Dowel Jones who are reimagining one of our galleries with furniture, lighting, ceramics and textiles. Ten Years of Dowel Jones is a masterclass in collaborative projects and excellence in modern-day craftsmanship.
Keeping with design, the Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand will bring their international symposium and exhibition Time and Materiality to the Museum from November.
If you are travelling Central Victoria, make sure you visit the Central Goldfields Art Gallery where winners of Expressions: The Wool Quilt Prize, a part of the National Wool Museum Collection, will be on display through October.
Join us for Late Nights at the Museum as we celebrate the longer days with extended opening hours until 7pm the First Friday of each month.
We look forward to seeing you at the National Wool Museum – Your Museum – soon.
Padraic L Fisher
National Wool Museum Director
Image: Dale Hardiman, Adam Lynch (centre), City of Greater Geelong Councillors Cadwell, Atkens and Wilkinson and Padraic Fisher National Wool Museum Director
Ten Years of Dowel Jones
Until 24 November
Admission included with Museum entry Museum members free
Dowel Jones is one of Australia’s leading design studios that is made in Geelong and celebrated globally. Founded in 2014 by Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman, this exhibition marks 10 years of this awardwinning practice and celebrates their colourful, dynamic and playful approach to make furniture that is ‘anything but ordinary’. Despite their robust brand identity, verging on cult-like status, the Dowel Jones model is defiantly democratic, devoid of ego and champions Australian-made design.
Including furniture, lighting, ceramics and textiles, join Dowel Jones as they transform a Museum gallery into a house filled with collaborative projects. Discover the Dowel Jones design process in which everyone plays a part - from manufacturers to fellow designers, emerging artists and local children, all are equal in the Dowel Jones creative community.
www.doweljones.com
Design Dialogues
Friday 22 November, 6.00pm–7.00pm
$28 per person
Museum members free
Join Dale Hardiman, Adam Lynch and collaborators as they celebrate ten years of their award-winning design studio in this lively panel discussion. Dowel Jones will reveal what they define as good design in the 21st century, how to build a sustainable business in Australia and where the future lies for meaningful and practical design.
WALL OF SELF-PORTRAITS
Daily until 24 November
This is your chance to feature in a world-class exhibition right here in Geelong.
Be inspired by hundreds of faces featured in the Self Portrait Rug produced by Dowel Jones and made by Geelong’s Godfrey Hirst. Settle in and draw your own self-portrait for our many visitors to enjoy.
Anatomy Lessons by Michele Beevors
Open
daily until 3 November 2024
Admission included with Museum entry, Free for Museum members
Featuring meticulously sculpted, lifesize skeletons, this exhibition by Michele Beevors is breathtaking, making the visitor question their place in this web of the living and the dead.
Each sculpture tells us a story – one of the collection of animals by museums and collectors, of Western safari hunters, of human encroachment and of the often sad role of the animals in our lives. These underlying concepts are explored and
reflected by the materials used. Wool, that speaks of warmth, of comfort, of care, meets the size, grace and sheer breathtaking beauty of the pieces, clashing with the hard and complex stories beneath.
Originally from Australia, Beevors has been practicing in New Zealand for the last 20 years. She is Head of Sculpture at Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand’s oldest, and one of its most prestigious, art schools. Beevors has exhibited in galleries, museums and exhibition spaces in New Zealand, Australia and Vienna with art that is defiant, unconventional and moving.
FABULOUS BEASTS DIGITAL PRINT WORKSHOP WITH SURFACE PARADISE
Saturday 5 October, 1.30pm–4.00pm
$67.50 Members, $90 General
Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of digital fabric printing. Working with Surface Paradise, you will design vibrant collages using motifs, images and textures, creating your own unique digital textile print.
The mission? Bring your designer ‘fabulous beast’ to life! Are you a trendsetting lion, a stripe-loving zebra, or a snappy dresser with a touch of crocodile flair? Unleash your inner designer animal and let it shine!
Participants can choose to print their unique collages on a provided bag, clutch purse, or wall banner. At the end of the workshop, everyone will leave with their personalised creations in hand. All materials are provided, and this imaginative workshop is open to anyone ready to explore the world of digital fabric printing and unleash their creative spirit!
TIME & MATERIALITY
2024 MAANZ INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION
15 November 2024–2 February 2025
Discover the art of mosaic in this international juried exhibition of contemporary mosaics presented in partnership with MAANZ (Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand). Exploring the theme ‘Time & Materiality’ this exhibition celebrates the global language of mosaic.
Image credit: Break Free, Barb Uhlenbruch
MAANZ FLOOR TALK
Sunday 17 November, 3.30pm–4.30pm
General entry fees apply, Museum members free
Join MAANZ Education Officer, Caitlin Hepworth on a guided walk through the exhibition. She will highlight a variety of pieces that demonstrate the depth and breadth of mosaic work by the international artists featured in this juried exhibition.
COMING SOON
WILDLIFE
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 60
NATURAL HISTORY
MUSEUM LONDON
Summer 2024/2025
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHT
Axminster Jacquard Carpet Loom
The Axminster Carpet Loom is the centrepiece of the National Wool Museum. The loom was originally built by Brintons in England around 1910 and was operating in Geelong from the 1960s
The Loom was donated to the Melbourne College of Textile for weaving training in 1975 and then to the National Wool Museum.
The gripper system used by this loom was invented by Brintons in 1890 and operates using a gripper shaped like a birds beak. This grips the yarn, the yarn is then cut and the gripper swings down to place the tuft into the woven backing.
This loom also uses the Jacquard system for weaving colours. Introduced in 1804, it revolutionised pattern weaving by using punch cards to instruct the loom, making complex textiles easy to massproduce and more affordable.
The Jacquard punch-card system was later adapted to produce a calculator that was the forerunner of modern computer programming.
EVENTS
Late nights at the Museum
Friday 6 September, 4 October and 1 November
Open until 7pm
General entry fees apply, Museum members free
Make the most of the longer days with extended opening hours at the Museum. We are opening late the first Friday of each month so you can explore our exhibitions and galleries before you head into your weekend activities.
The Museum Shop will be open with an extensive range of toys, homewares, gifts and books inspired by our collections and exhibitions.
Special offer: Book a table for dinner at Black Sheep restaurant and receive a complimentary drink for each guest.
LANTERN GHOST TOUR
Thursday 31 October, 7.00pm–9.00pm
$25 per person, Museum members free
Share a ghoulish evening at the Museum as Colin Mockett OAM takes you on a theatrical journey uncovering the underbelly of one of Geelong’s oldest woolstores. Three resident ghosts walk
the halls after dark, reminding us of darker days and more dangerous times. Keep your lanterns at the ready and your wits about you as you explore the supernatural hotspots.
Visit the Museum during the school holidays as we celebrate Science Week by creating a crafted paper grassland with Murnong Daisies.
The Murnong or Yam Daisy, was a food source for the Wadawurrung People and important to local grasslands. The Murnong Revival = Species Survival project is creating awareness of its ecological and cultural significance.
This year’s National Science Week theme "Species Survival – More than just sustainability" shines a spotlight on the survival struggles of Australia’s human, animal, and plant populations.
$14 per child includes one free adult, bookings essential.
How does wool get from a sheep’s back to the clothing rack? Go on a sensory journey and discover how felt has been used to turn fleece into fabric for centuries to make everything from hats to toys.
Join us as we discover different ways to create your own colourful felted bracelets and bookmarks using just wool and water!
Suitable for children 8 years and above.
Digital Fabric Printing Workshop with Surface Paradise
$30 per child includes one free adult, bookings essential.
Embark on a creative adventure with professional designers, Surface Paradise. Immerse yourself in the thrilling realm of digital fabric printing. Create vibrant collages using motifs, images, and fabric, resulting in your own bespoke designs to transfer onto a tote bag. Everyone will leave with their personalised creations in hand. All materials are provided.
Suitable for children 8 -14 years
MUSEUM MASTERCLASSES
Natural Dyeing
with Heather Thomas
Sunday 15 September, 11.00am–4.00pm
Members ticket $71.25 General ticket
$95
Join textile artist Heather Thomas for this natural dyeing masterclass. Discover the art of creating vibrant colours using organic materials you can forage, grow or buy.
Learn how to extract colours from plants, flowers, and other organic sources and apply them to various wool yarn and fabrics. Create a sample card of fabric and yarns to take home, along with notes and recipes.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Expand your artistic horizons and leave with newfound knowledge and inspiration.
All materials and supplies will be provided.
SURFACE TRANSFORMATIONS SCREEN PRINTING AND DIGITAL PRINT EMBELLISHMENT WORKSHOP
Saturday 16 November, 1.00pm–4.00pm
Members ticket $97.50 General ticket
$130
Learn the art of fabric screen printing and hand fabric manipulation techniques.
Discover the power of creativity as you leave with a revitalized, one-of-akind scarf that’s been transformed, rejuvenated, and now boasts your unique touch. Unleash your inner designer, breathe new life into your fashion, and leave with a wearable masterpiece that tells your story.
Join Surface Paradise for a day of style, skill, and scarf-sational transformations!
All materials are provided, you can select to bring your own scarf, or choose from our pre-loved collection on the day.
Up Close with the Collection
WAGGAS AND QUILTS
Thursday 17 October, 11.00am-12.00pm
$25 per person, Museum members free
Join Curatorial staff for an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Wool Museum’s wagga and quilt Collection. Explore the intricate details, vibrant colours, and rich history behind these unique creations. Delve into the stories woven within each quilt and gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind them.
Whether you’re a seasoned quilt enthusiast, or simply curious about the art form, this tour promises to be engaging and educational.
GROUP BOOKINGS FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT CLUBS OR ORGANISATIONS
Self-guided tours
$9 per adult (min 15 people)
Includes a self-guided tour of the Museum, galleries and exhibitions.
Let the Museum help organise a special outing for your not-for-profit club or group. The Museum is designed for self-guided tours with knowledgeable volunteers on hand to answer your questions.
Guided-tours
$230 per group (min 15-max 20)
Includes entry to Museum, galleries and exhibitions.
Choose from: Architectural tour of the Dennys Lascelles Woolstore or Exhibition tour of our ongoing exhibitions On the Land: Our Story Retold and In the Factory
Auslan Interpreter available – Please choose this option at the time of booking.
DENNYS LASCELLES WOOLSTORE ARCHITECTURE TOUR
Sunday 10 November, 11.00am–12.00pm
Free with general adult Museum entry, bookings essential
Join us for guided tour through the bluestone jewel box that is home to the National Wool Museum. The tour will delve into the significance of the site to the Wadawurrung People, quarrying the bluestone used for the building and the unique architectural features that made the bales of wool shine on auction day.
Auslan Interpreter available for this tour, select option during booking.
LEARN
The National Wool Museum offers selfguided and educator-led tours and workshops for school groups, sparking curiosity through objectbased experiences.
Facilitated by our Museum Education team, our Victorian Curriculum aligned school learning programs and resources develop social and historical understanding, and enhance cultural awareness in students of all ages.
Through interactive and immersive programs, students can explore the Collections and exhibitions of the National Wool Museum to extend their classroom learning.
For detailed program outlines and booking information visit nwm.vic.gov.au
Year-Round Learning Programs
WHAT DOES A DESIGNER DO?
Thursday 24 October
10.30am-11.30am onsite and via livestream
$8 per student onsite; $120 per class via livestream Meet the creative duo behind the award-winning Australian design studio Dowel Jones as they reveal their design process in which everyone plays a part - from manufacturers to fellow designers, emerging artists, and local children, all are equal in Dowel Jones creative community.
Students will listen to an interactive presentation followed by a guided tour of the exhibition.
OSHC GROUP PACKAGES
A day at the Museum
A visit to the National Wool Museum during school holidays will spark curiosity and foster engagement amongst those in your vacation care group. We offer a range of self-led exhibition activities and educator-led workshops to structure your visit.
Located on Geelong’s Waterfront, make a day of it by visiting the Carousel, Eastern Beach, Geelong Botanic Gardens and Geelong Gallery. Session times and fees apply.
FAMILIES
Interactive Playgroup
Alternating Wednesdays during school term. 10.30am–11.30am
$7 per child, includes one free adult, booking essential Museum members free
Join us as we embark on a tour of discovery and exploration through the Museum as part of our interactive playgroup. Children and their families will explore different Museum objects and displays through singing, craft, stories and sensory play each session.
Grab your friends or family and join us for playtime filled with fun, learning, and adventure.
Suitable for children 2 years and above.
MINI MAKERS
Alternating Wednesdays during school term. 10.30am–11.30am
$7 per child, includes one free adult, booking essential Museum members free
Little hands and feet will have fun in this relaxing and engaging sensory art play session, inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions.
Throughout the sessions, babies and pre-schoolers will have the chance to play with paint, glitter, paste, sand, clay, slimy spaghetti, chalk, and much more.
Children will be exposed to materials and the environment around them to create art and craft that uses their entire body. Adults and children alike will get messy!
Suitable for children 12 months and above.
PARENTS GROUP BOOKINGS
If you are part of a parenting group or even a group of friends looking for a fun activity for you and your children, then get in touch as we can host a one-off session (subject to availability).
Minimum of 5 children and their carers per booking. Email nwmeducation@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
The Carousel
Spend some time at the beautifully restored heritage Carousel at the Geelong Waterfront.
Overlooking Corio Bay, with spectacular views towards the You Yangs Regional Park and Melbourne, the Carousel is a meeting place for all visitors.
The 1892 hand-carved heritage carousel was made in New York by the ArmitageHerschell company and is one of only 200 in operation around the world. The Carousel Pavilion can be booked for children’s birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, receptions, photo shoots and functions. Contact us for details.
Wadawurrung Country
1 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong Waterfront
T 03 5224 1547
E carousel@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Tickets
$5 per ride
$45 multi-ride ticket
Group discounts available
Carousel Opening Times
Summer (Oct – Mar)
Monday to Friday: 10.30am-5.00pm Saturday and Sunday: 10.30am-6.00pm
Winter (Apr – Sep) Monday to Friday: 10.30am-4.30pm Saturday and Sunday: 10.30am-5.00pm
SUPPORTING THE MUSEUM
Become a member
Museum membership gives you unlimited access to our galleries, exhibitions and school holiday drop-in sessions. Exclusive benefits include discounts on master classes and workshops, retail shop purchases and reciprocal institutional privileges. Be our guest at exclusive exhibition launches and receive early access to our popular shop sales. Become a member today or gift this experience to a loved one.
Partnerships
Help Geelong’s own Museum tell the stories of our community, the wool industry, fibre, and textiles. Through our exhibitions, events, education programs and conservation work, we offer our partners the opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with the Museum that meets the unique objectives of the individual organisations.
Contact us to discuss how the Museum can partner with your organisation.
Donate to the Museum
Join us in creating change and making meaningful impact on the world around us. Donate now to support our collections, exhibitions, and programs. Donations are tax deductable.
Volunteering at the Museum
We’re always on the lookout for passionate and friendly volunteers to help us deliver an excellent, engaging visitor experience.
The Museum offers a variety of experiences from interacting with visitors, assisting in our retail store to providing support to our Collections Team.
Our Supporters and Partners
MUSEUM PARTNERS
EXHIBITION PARTNERS
COLLECTION PARTNERS
PROGRAMS PARTNERS
MUSEUM SHOP
Get ready for Spring at the National Wool Museum Shop
Embrace the change of season with our extensive range of cardigans and jumpers perfect for those cooler evenings that linger late into Spring. You’ll find all your favourite brands at the Museum including Uimi, Toorallie and Otto and Spike.
Look your best with our range of Lucamar Lanolin skin care products including Baa Ram Ewe range of skin and lip balms. Made in Australia with all natural and organic ingredients, products are only tested on humans. Australian-character packaging adds an endearing twist to these wonderful products, making them a fabulous gift.
Looking for something a bit more formal for those celebratory moments?
Peggy and Finn have a unique range of accessories with original designs hand painted by local artists living by the Surf Coast of Victoria. This carbon neutral business prides itself on their care of the planet and sustainable practices.
Open daily 10.00am-5.00pm In store only
PLAN YOUR VISIT
GETTING HERE
The Museum is located on the corner of Moorabool and Brougham Streets in the heart of central Geelong. One block from the Waterfront and ferry terminal, and a short walk from Geelong Railway Station.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
A ten-minute walk towards the Waterfront from Geelong Railway Station.
TRAVELLING BY CAR
60 minutes from Melbourne. 30 minutes from Torquay, Great Ocean Road.
CAR PARKING
Weekday metered parking and free 2–hour parking on weekends is in Moorabool St, Brougham Street and Eastern Beach Road.
ACCESS
The Museum is fully accessible at street entry, with ramps to each level. Accessible parking is located at the front of the Museum. Accessible toilets are located on each level.
Waterfront Geelong
FERRIES
Port Phillip Ferries operates passenger ferry services from Docklands to Geelong and Docklands to the Bellarine (Portarlington) and also provide Port Phillip Ferries Discovery Tours.
Searoad Ferries car and passenger ferry travels from the Mornington Peninsula to Queenscliff. Buses run from Queenscliff to Geelong.
Spirit of Tasmania travels from Davonport Tasmania docking at Geelong. A ten-minute drive to the National Wool Museum.
