We are seeking expressions of interest from First Peoples curators to take a lead in telling the stories of the Taungurung people for Station Precinct

Introduction

The Mansfield Shire Council is inviting expressions of interest from independent, Australian-based, First Peoples curators to lead the curation of how the Taungurung story is told in the Mansfield Museum.

Mansfield Shire Council and the Mansfield Historical Society have partnered to deliver a new facility that will house the Mansfield Museum and Visitor Information Centre. Included in the brand-new building will be 360 m2 of display space, a multi-purpose theatrette, administration areas and storage.

Displays of the Museum’s collections will feature Mansfield’s proud history and culture sharing stories from deep time to the present. Through these stories visitors will feel a connection to place and community.

The Taungurung people are the Traditional Owners of the land spanning Central to North-East Victoria, including the Mansfield region. Their rich cultural heritage encompasses Dreaming stories, spiritual practices, and deep connections with the natural environment. The Mansfield area, with its mountains, forests, and waterways, holds profound importance in Taungurung traditions, and sharing these stories in the Museum is vital for cultural recognition.

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander person. This is a special measures role as per the equal opportunity act 2010.

Project Overview

We are seeking expressions of interest from First Peoples curators to take a lead in telling the stories of the Taungurung people in the Mansfield area of Victoria. You must be passionate about sharing Indigenous stories and helping to preserve Taungurung culture.

The successful applicant will hit the ground running with the Museum gallery spaces currently being designed and a time line set for the opening in November 2026.

This project includes truth telling of the Yowung illam balluk people of the Taungurung Nation and will showcase artefacts and contemporary interpretations of Indigenous culture unique to the Mansfield area.

Key Taungurung stories identified

• Taungurung people’s story – including language, location, Invasion, displacement, and contemporary life.
• Gadhaba LAN (Local Aboriginal Network) story.
• Deberra/Bogong Moths – Annual migration to our mountains across the whole district for 20,000+ years.
• Bundjil and Waang – Creation stories.
• Ann Bon
• Other stories to be confirmed.

Curator’s role

The Curator will collaborate with the Taungurung project representative Elder Aunty Angela, the Gadhaba representative Elder Aunty Bernadette and the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) Elders Group to research and interpret the collections of stone tools & cultural belongings, developing and delivering meaningful narratives that showcase the history, culture, and connection to the land of Taungurung peoples.

The role will extend to involvement in the Taungurung Arts Trail Project being developed at the same time. The trail aims to weave a tapestry of art installations, murals, sculpture, and cultural expressions throughout the Mansfield Station Precinct.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in cultural storytelling, education, and heritage preservation within the Mansfield region.

Stage One: August – October Collaborate with Exhibition Designer in development of displays including layouts, position of stories and objects proposed for display. Meet on country with project elders. Development and planning discussions with Arts Trail Project.

Stage Two: September – February Research and develop interpretive content in consultation with project Elders, TLaWC Elders and TLaWC researcher. Development of key Taungurung stories identified and possible additional stories. Collaborate with museum stakeholders on educational offerings in gallery displays. Artist selections engagement for Arts Trail Project.

Stage Three: March – July Collaborate with Exhibition Designer in the presentation of objects and interpretive panels in the gallery space. Final edits on interpretive material.

Stage Four: July – October 2026 Involvement with installation of displays in gallery space ensuring objects and interpretive materials are presented as per design. Working with Museum stakeholders on education content related to displays.

We are looking for

• First Peoples with a strong connection to and understanding of Taungurung culture. Taungurung peoples are highly encouraged to apply.
• Cultural practitioners, with curatorial qualifications and experience working with Museums or galleries.
• Collaborative and respectful candidates committed to authentic storytelling.
• Knowledge of cultural protocols.
• Experience with management (preferred but not essential).

How to Express Your Interest

If you are passionate about sharing First Peoples stories and believe you can bring insight and cultural integrity to this project, we invite you to submit an expression of interest.

Please include: 

• A brief overview of your background.
• Your CV.
• Your connection to the Taungurung community.
• Your motivation for applying.
• Completion of schedule of rates.

For questions regarding the position, contact Aunty Angela Tenbuuren, Taungurung representative. angela@tenbuuren.com.au

Selection process

All applications will be reviewed by a panel of key stakeholders including representatives from Taungurung project Elders, GADHABA and Mansfield Shire Council. This panel may also request and interview with short listed applicants.

Expressions of interest may be emailed to:

Capital.works@mansfield.vic.gov.au

Attention: Chloe Schlemitz

Mansfield Shire Council

Closing Date

Friday 25th July 2025

Join us in celebrating and amplifying the rich cultural stories of the Taungurung people in Mansfield. We look forward to hearing from you.