SAMMY HAWKER

Water Memory is a collaboration with water economist Paul Wyrwoll (Institute for Water Futures | ANU Crawford School of Public Policy | Water Justice Hub). This work follows the shifting form of water as it transforms from precipitation into run off from the mountains, through the drains/creeks of Canberra’s urban waterways all the way to the Murrumbidgee river where it evaporates as mist and back into clouds. This work is based on the premise that waterways are sentient beings with memories of what has come before.

The work was exhibited as part of the Waterways Country Symposium at the National Museum of Australia in 2022. The 3 day symposium was centred around Indigenous perspectives and explores how the interdisciplinary partnership of science and art can help us creatively re-imagine ourselves as part of waterway communities.

WATER MEMORY

Interrupted – manipulated – controlled

We wonder the stories this old creek must hold

Water trickles, echoing through a solid concrete drain.

In contrast to the glorious squawk, of the cockatoo’s refrain.

Interrupted – manipulated – controlled

The storm clouds build, the thunder unfolds

Evaporation becomes precipitation, a path long trod

Water memory predates the Ngunnawal and even the theropod

Interrupted – manipulated – controlled

The lands call out in pain - a summons foretold

Rain puddles form, the frogs calling forth

Another journey begins for the creek from the north.

Interrupted – manipulated – controlled

Traversing a strange, amalgamated, concrete stranglehold

One of the many tributaries to join the Molonglo

But enter at your own risk, beware the undertow

An explosion of force, finally free of this man made constraint

With traditional song lines the water and lands seek to reacquaint

Will you listen to the stories this creek does hold,

Or is your mind too interrupted – manipulated – controlled?

Don Christopher, 2022

After seeing the video, Gunggari custodian Don Christopher was inspired to write this poem. He read the poem while a panelist at the Waterways Country Symposium.