Kelly koumalatsos

From 2019–21, Din worked with artist Kelly Koumalatsos on research and documentation of her artistic practice in printmaking, jewellery, painting, and her pivotal role in the contemporary revival of possum skin cloak making, as made by her Wemba Wemba and Wergaia ancestors. The research also looked into Kelly’s previous work as the first Aboriginal employee at Melbourne Museum, her campaigning for First People’s management of historical Indigenous artefacts and curatorial practices, as well as her political work in fighting for land rights, language and agency for First Nations South Eastern Australians.

Along with extensive interviews with Kelly about her Wemba Wemba–Wergaia–Greek family heritage, Din interviewed key academics, historians and curators including: Uncle Jim Berg, founder of the Koorie Heritage Trust; Gail Harradine, the Trust’s Curatorial Manager; Dr Shannon Faulkhead, Head of First Peoples Department at Museums Victoria; and Professor Eleanor Bourke, Yoorrook Justice Chairperson and Commissioner.

In 2020, Din travelled with Kelly and her mum, Aunty Eleanor, through the Western Districts to visit important historical and family sites along Wemba Wemba and Wergaia Country. The research, photography and interviews from this project are now part of a larger project in development by Museums Victoria.