iPowerhouse ParramattaParramatta
Overflow
A First Nations-led show on caring for Water Country: seven commissions by Aboriginal-led groups across NSW, filmed by Ivan Sen.
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Preview: written before the show opened
You step onto an undulating platform by Tyrrell Studio, designed with Country as a new ground plane and a place to step into water. It bridges the past and present of Parramatta's floodplain, and how water shaped the land under the museum.
Seven Aboriginal-led organisations from across New South Wales each made a commission about caring for saltwater and freshwater. The Gamay Rangers present the first dedicated study of marine mammals in Botany Bay. The Goondee Aboriginal Keeping Place in Lightning Ridge built a space of sound and projection for Yuwaalaraay knowledge of sky and water. Kamilaroi filmmaker Ivan Sen tells all seven stories on film, shot over many months across rivers, wetlands and coastlines.
It is free and drop-in, except on 7 and 8 November, when you book a free opening-weekend ticket. It is in the Holdmark Gallery on Level 3, and the opening weekend brings sessions on Sea Country sovereignty and flood mitigation.
Look for
The floodplain platform
Tyrrell Studio's undulating platform, a new ground plane you step onto that reflects on how water shaped Parramatta's floodplain.
Ivan Sen's films
A new collection of moving-image stories filmed over many months across NSW rivers, wetlands and coastlines with the seven organisations.
Gaay Dhaymaarr-ngu
A space of sound, projection and storytelling for Yuwaalaraay knowledge of sky, water and creation, from the Goondee Keeping Place in Lightning Ridge.
Marine mammals of Botany Bay
The Gamay Rangers' first dedicated study of marine mammals in Gamay (Botany Bay) and the coastal waters around Sydney.
Good for
- Cheap Culture
- Going Solo
- Rainy Days
Also at Powerhouse Parramatta
On now nearby
Image credits
3
- OverflowStill image of sea urchin diver Denzel Carriage from Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation on Yuin Country, from ‘Overflow’ film, 2026. Photo: Ivan Sen
- Jordan Gower: Does the moon know the well?Photograph: Jacquie Manning
- Powerhouse ParramattaPowerhouse Parramatta. Photo: Powerhouse Studio