Dreaming Story of Ngurunderi Playsilk by Emma Stenhouse

Bring the story of Ngurunderi and the creation of the River Murray into early childhood learning. This vibrant playsilk encourages imaginative play, storytelling, and sensory exploration, supporting EYLF outcomes of identity, community, and connection to the world.

Artwork Story

Ngurunderii is one of the great ancestral Dreaming ‘Heroes’ of the Ngarrindjeri people. The story of Ngurunderi, passed down from generation to generation, is an account of how the mighty River Murray was formed. According to the story passed down from generation to generation over thousands of years, Ngurrunderi chased an enormous Murray cod named Pondi from stream in Central New South Wales. In the process of fleeing Pondi created the river Murray with its flailing tail. Kauwira (Mannum ) is the point at which Ngurunderi forced Pondi to turn sharply South. The straight section of river near Tailem Bend was formed when Pondi fled in fear after being speared in the tail. The twin peaks, large permanent Sandhills of Mount Misery on the eastern shore of Lake Alexandrina are known as Lalangenggul or Lalanganggel (two watercraft) and is said to be the place where Ngurunderi brought his rafts ashore to make camp. Ngarunderi cut up Pondi at Raukkan, throwing the pieces into the water, where each piece became a species of fish

Artist Story
Emma Stenhouse is a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and a contemporary Indigenous artist on a journey of self discovery, deepening her connection with her family, exploring her heritage, and inspired by her love of Country. Emma encapsulates her knowledge in her storyworks formed by her deep relationship to land and guided by strong female role models in her community.
Growing up in Broken Hill, Outback New South Wales, Emma intrinsically draws on her connection to the arid lands of the bush. This is often evident in her use of colours inspired by the red dirt, and the simple concepts of nurturing nature and to continue its growth and sustainability. She now resides by the beach and explores the shades of green & blue reflected in the region. The lush green fields, hills and the blues of the many waterways and the Southern Ocean.
Emma is an Educator and is passionate about sharing her experience and culture through her art practice within her classrooms and in workshops. As a multifaceted creative, she explores diverse art practices influenced by her journey. Each art piece is braided with learning, an enriching exchange between artist and viewer, a continuation of culture platform for cross cultural exchange.

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