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kuril dhagun
kuril dhagun is a welcoming space for First Nations communities to gather, share knowledge, and celebrate culture. It offers access to State Library services and collections, and serves as a culturally appropriate space for First Nations communities to host events, meetings, and activities.
About kuril dhagun
Located on Level 1, kuril dhagun is a dedicated cultural and multi-purpose space that inspires community participation and engagement. Since 2006, it has been a hub for Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and a significant place for learning and connection. kuril dhagun hosts inspiring showcases, events, and activities for the community.
It offers a welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to engage with collections and services, meet, gather, discuss, and celebrate. The name comes from the Yuggera language: ‘kuril’ refers to a native marsupial near Kurilpa Point, and ‘dhagun’ means earth, place, or country, together meaning ‘kuril’s place’.
kuril dhagun is led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who assist with navigating State Library collections, family history research, and venue hire.
"Beneath the Southern Cross,
and the canopy of the rainforest along the river bank,
the Kurilpa, which still survives here,
dug out its nests, and left its tracks.
They looked out over the river,
the ripples on its surface stirred by the wind and tidal surge,
and the fish swimming in the water.”
– Lilla Watson, 2006
The space
kuril dhagun is a flexible space for events, yarning circles, and community connection.
It features a changing series of showcases that display the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and a digital display of Indigenous media. Visitors can experience artworks by Queensland Aboriginal artists, including MAIWAR Yunggulba by Megan Cope, Dolly and Birds on a Wire by Laurie Nilsen, and Kurilpa Country by Aunty Lilla Watson.
Talking Circle
Fire has long been central to community life—gathering around it to yarn, share stories, dance and eat. The Talking Circle is an outdoor seating area around a fire pit, overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD. Traditionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gathered around fire to talk, laugh and pass on knowledge. Sitting in a Talking Circle ensures everyone is heard, encouraging connection and group conversation.
Climbing the building beside the Talking Circle is Faradaya Splendida, a native vine from Far North Queensland. It's the only Australian species of the Faradaya genus, also found across Indonesia, Polynesia and Papua New Guinea. Named after scientist Michael Faraday, splendida refers to the sheen of its leaves. Native possums live in the vine, and water dragons roam nearby.
The external panels facing the Gallery of Modern Art were designed by the late artist Laurie Nilsen and visual arts students from Griffith University's Queensland College of Art. The stonework and wood panels reflect Brisbane’s unique geography.
Loris Williams Room
The Loris Williams Room offers an intimate space for family or community meetings, workshops or seminars, by prior engagement. The room is named in honour of Loris Elaine Williams (1949-2005), who was an Aboriginal woman of Mulinjali (Beaudesert, South East Queensland) descent through her father, and Birri Gubba (Ayr, North Queensland) descent through her mother.
Loris was a passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access archives as a way of reconnecting with family and heritage. She was the first Aboriginal person from Queensland to gain professional archival qualifications and dedicated the last 11 years of her life to supporting community members in researching archival material. Loris also inspired her professional peers to recognise the importance of this work.
Book a kuril dhagun space
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander access
State Library is committed to working with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and not-for-profit organisations to access the space to facilitate programs, events, workshops and to co-curate future showcases. Send your enquiry to kurildhagun@slq.qld.gov.au for your next project or meeting in kuril dhagun.