Circular Economies Residency: Zali Morgan in Carnamah #5

May 22

SPACED Circular Economies artist Zali Morgan returns to Carnamah for the final leg of her residency with North Midlands Project, and shares a reflection on the land’s history and memories.

Carnamah, 2026,
Although it feels like a moment back in time.

Australian Heritage Cookbook
An Introduction to the Dreamtime
Inside History
Looking West

It is easy to read between the lines, to remember this is stolen land.
Or maybe it is easy to forget this Boodja, this Country sustained life for millennia.
Before it was used, and taken apart.

Now a barren landscape, used many times over and over again to fulfil the Crown’s needs.
Left to dry out, depleted and exhausted, this Boodja continues to serve as a vessel.
A vessel to carry resources for crops, farms, mines.
But also a vessel to carry story, truth, and culture.

I have returned with a renewed sense of making and the story that needs to be told.
The story that holds many, but reminds us of what we forget when we operate business as usual.
A reminder that we need to consult the Birdiyas, the bosses, when we operate, make and spend time on the Boodja that has kept their culture and ancestors alive.

As we travel up to Mullewa, passing the relentless rolling hills of cleared farmland, I think of Aunty Charmaine. She was the boss of Mullewa; you wouldn’t go there without consulting her. I feel hopeful that I can connect with more of her family and continue her legacy. As always with community, it’s flexible and changing. When sorry business arises, we move how the community wants.

Even when visiting the Mullewa Community Resource Centre, I am reminded of Aunty Charmaine, when her book Nganajungu Yagu, is sitting there looking at me. Her words are staunch and forthright. Speaking her truth and the needs of her community. I feel revitalised reading and remembering her. One poem especially reminds me why and who we are doing this for.

Buried Deep

Buried
within

Womb
mother,
Earth

Warm
protected
flows

Powerful
energy
in and is me

Charmaine Papertalk Green
Nganajungu Yagu, 2019
Published by Cordite Publishing Inc.

Images courtesy of the artist.

More about Zali and host community North Midlands Project.

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Circular Economies is produced as a joint partnership by PICA - Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and SPACED.