Sister-in-law dreaming: AN EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Sister-in-Law Dreaming is a celebration of women’s everyday leadership, and an exploration of the enduring and radical power of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matriarchy.

Spanning multiple nations, it is inspired by stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women leaders, and their ongoing stewardship of Country, community and culture - grounded in nurture and collective care.

Sister-in-Law Dreaming has grown from the Punkaliyarra project, a long-term,
intergenerational women’s initiative developed in Ieramugadu (Roebourne, Western
Australia). Punkaliyarra is a story about kinship and heritage - a story acknowledging
women’s continous connection to country and all that it holds.
Older woman with long blonde hair, eyes closed, wearing a teal knitted shawl, large round earrings, necklace, and a feather headband, standing outdoors by a river with hills in the background.

Aunty Jeno

Walbunja, Wodiwodi
Photographed by Rachel Mounsey
Yuin Country, 2024
Woman wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and knit cap, leaning against a tree with arms crossed, outdoors.

Cherine

Yindjibarndi
Photographed by Rachel Mounsey
Yuin Country, 2024
Person wearing a green knit beanie and white Nike t-shirt, looking directly at the camera with one hand on their head.

Ruby

Djirringanj, Yuin
Photographed by Rachel Mounsey
Yuin Country, 2024
Woman standing waist-deep in water holding a dripping yellow object, with a cloudy sky and forested mountains in the background.

Amanda

Gamilaroi, Djirringanj
Photographed by Rachel Mounsey
Yuin Country, 2024
Elderly woman with traditional white face paint and a beaded necklace, wrapped in a fur cloak, standing on a sandy beach with rocky cliffs and a cloudy sky in the background.

Aunty Vivian

Walbunja, Yuin
Photographed by Rachel Mounsey
Yuin Country, 2024
Indigenous woman sitting behind a table with four decorated gourds featuring dot painting designs.

Anita

Walmajarri, Gooniyandi
Photographed by Nic Duncan
Bunuba Country, 2025
Young girl with freckles and blonde hair wearing a white sleeveless top and headband, looking thoughtfully to the side at sunset.

Riva

Wiradjuri
Photographed by Nic Duncan
Bunuba Country, 2025
Young woman with curly hair wearing a white top and headband, smiling softly at sunset.

Amelia

Ngiyaampa
Photographed by Nic Duncan
Bunuba Country, 2025
Young woman with a braided headband and light brown patterned shawl, standing outdoors at sunset.

Amelia

Wiradjuri
Photographed by Nic Duncan
Bunuba Country, 2025

Photographers

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Jessica Allan @jessallan_photography
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Nic Duncan @nic_duncan_photographer
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Rachel Mounsey @rachel_mounsey_
This exhibition is produced by Create Justice, in collaboration with Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice and original producing organisation Big hART. It is made possible thanks to the support of Nelson Meers Foundation and Women Deliver 2026.
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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.
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