Image information
- 1. Portrait of Tottie Quicksilver and son at Beaudesert, Beaudesert, Undated
- 2. Kuril dhagun facade, Brisbane (State Library of Queensland) 2010
- 3. Torres Strait Islander infantry men enjoying a day out on an Outrigger boat, 1945
- 4. Tractor travelling along a road on Yorke Island, Torres Strait, Queensland, 1984
Related links
Find Indigenous Knowledge Centres
Indigenous Library Services at the State Library.
Information for Indigenous people
black&write! Indigenous writing and editing project
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kuril dhagun - Indigenous Knowledge Centre
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kuril dhagun draws its meaning from kuril, which is the native marsupial that is found on the State Library site near Kurilpa Point on the Brisbane River, and dhagun meaning earth/place/country. A literal translation of the name is 'kurils place'. kuril dhagun is also part of the network of Indigenous Knowledge Centres located throughout Queensland and the Torres Strait.
The kuril dhagun Indigenous Knowledge Centre, is located on level one of the State Library of Queensland, and has been a nucleus for Queensland's unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures since 2006. In 2009, kuril dhagun underwent a refurbishment program to ensure that the space remains distinctive and aesthetically complementary to other parts of the State Library building.
To complement the redevelopment, the State Library is reviewing how the space can be best used to meet the expectations of Indigenous communities and visitors. The implementation of the review will be rolled out in 2010, which will include new ways of engaging with the unique cultures of Queensland’s Indigenous people. In the meantime, kuril dhagun continues to offer a range of public programs including A Night by the fire and Yarnin' time.
The Talking Circle
The concept for the Talking Circle was born early in the Millennium Library Project.
Both Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders agreed that the traditional situation in which people were most likely talk, laugh and share knowledge was around the fire. Because both cultures are based on oral and not written traditions, the concept for the Talking Circle adjacent to kuril dhagun has grown to be an important symbol. It is a reminder to us all that some of the most valuable things that we know have been passed on to us by our family and friends, and that this is a tradition that we need to encourage in the future generations.
Watch a video about the history and construction of the Talking Circle:
Windows media player: dialup or broadband
Real player: dialup or broadband
Last updated: 25th May 2011
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