Yawa (Long Journey) by Maree Clarke

Image: Maree Clarke, 'Murrini Canoe', 2024

Berninneit, Cowes Launch Event: Saturday 14 June, 2pm–4pm

Join us to celebrate the 2025 Berninneit Public Art Commission!

Yawa (Long Journey) is a public artwork consisting of thirty Murrini glass panels, shaped to form a stunning glass canoe suspended overhead in the Berninneit Grand Hall. Patination on the glass captures the microscopic elements of the river reed and reflects the play of light and colour of the wetlands and ocean that surround Millowl Phillip Island.

Maree Clarke is a renowned Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti and Boon Wurrung artist. Over 300 community members contributed to the creation of the patterns in glass, during public workshops led by Maree Clarke and three generations of her family, Kerri Clarke, Wade Mahoney, Mitch Mahoney, Molly Mahoney and baby Yarran Clarke-Mahoney, at Berninneit in January and February 2025.

Celebrations will include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, unveiling of a plaque by Mayor Rochelle Halstead, and remarks by Maree Clarke and her collaborator Mitch Mahoney.