Galup VR Experience

Galup VR Experience is a nine-minute virtual reality (VR) film which shares untold stories of Galup / Lake Monger in Perth. An iconic wetland nestled between the suburbs of Leederville, Wembley and Glendalough. Galup / Lake Monger holds an important part of our history that's been largely unknown for nearly 200 years.

Galup VR invites you to sit with Noongar Elder Doolann-Leisha Eatts who spent her life sharing the story of what really happened there. This important story will give the viewer awareness of the colonial massacre of Noongar people that occurred at the lake in 1830.

This experience was developed from an interactive site-specific performance created in 2019 by Ian Wilkes and Poppy van Oorde-Grainger with an oral history from Doolann-Leisha Eatts. Both projects have been guided by a team of supportive Noongar Elders. It is an important invitation to learn about the past as an act of truth-telling that brings us together for connection and healing.

Elder Aunty Lois May will be available on Friday and Samuel Yombich Pilot-Kickett or Bec Garlett on Saturday to provide a yarning circle and discussion after the viewing to ensure that participants have a safe space to talk about the issues raised.

As an institution tasked with preserving and sharing the State’s stories, the State Library has identified truth-telling and healing that celebrates Aboriginal culture and knowledge as a key priority. The Library is proud to present the Galup VR Experience as part of this journey.

Aboriginal people are welcome to attend any of sessions but if you would like to attend a Mob only session please book here.

Before booking please read the health and safety information. If you are not able to wear a VR headset a 2D version of the film will be available on a flat screen.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audience members are advised that this production includes names, images and voices of people who have passed away. Names, images and voices of the deceased are used with permission.

Galup VR Experience is created by Ian Wilkes and Poppy van Oorde-Grainger with an oral history from Doolann-Leisha Eatts, produced by Same Drum and guided by a team of supportive Noongar Elders.

The production of Galup VR Experience was supported by Creative Australia and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and project partners Town of Cambridge, City of Vincent, Viewport XR, Community Arts Network, Museum of Freedom and Tolerance and Sandbox.