On a recent visit to the Ian Potter Gallery - NGV in Melbourne we saw this amazingly beautiful Bunjil Nest. It is about two metres wide, and mirrors the size of a real eagle's nest, but this nest holds 600 messages from students who took part in an innovative project inspired by environmentalist David Suzuki. Each nest has been carefully made with hundreds of sticks, all inscribed with messages of hope, love and peace.
The students were asked to convey something they had learnt, or to express their hopes, wishes or concerns for the future and so their messages were often very moving and profound.
The nest celebrates Bunjil, the wedge-tail eagle who is regarded as the spirit creator of the Kulin nation, which includes the Wurundjeri people. They believe Bunjil keeps a watchful eye over people and offers guidance to those who choose to listen.
Being a lover of nests, it was wonderful to see such a large scale, beautifully constructed nest that celebrated a community vision of the children's hope for the future.
