A free exhibition showcasing the creativity of bush mechanics and their inventive repair techniques will open at the Museum of Geraldton on Saturday, 5 August.
The Bush Mechanics exhibition is based on the incredibly popular ABC television series of the same name, co-created by David Batty and Francis Jupurrurla Kelly.
Through the show’s distinctive brand of humour, this exhibition showcases the ingenuity of outback mechanics whose clever resourcefulness can turn branches, spinifex and sand into tools and spare parts to get cars back on the road.
Museum of Geraldton Regional Manager, Leigh O’Brien said Bush Mechanics is a cleverly crafted exhibition integrating the multimedia showcase of mechanical skills and the magic of TV show production.
“The exhibition features items from the show, including two original cars, clay figurines, and specially commissioned artwork that captures the energetic tone of the series,” Ms O’Brien said.
“The Museum is looking forward to bringing the interactive experience to Geraldton and the Mid West and encouraging everyone to become their own Bush Mechanic!”
Visitors can become bush mechanics themselves and try their hand at the nyurulypa, or tricks, seen on the show through engaging inventions and interactives on display. Bush Mechanics also provides insights into the life and culture of the Warlpiri people of Central Australia.
A scene from ABC's Bush Mechanics series
Image copyright WA Museum
National Motor Museum Senior Curator, Tony Kanellos said, Similar to the TV series, the Bush Mechanics exhibition has been popular and had a long life - opening in 2017, it has continued to tour every mainland state and territory, entertaining and educating thousands of visitors.
“The relationship between Aboriginal Australia and motoring was shared with the nation more than 20 years ago when directors David Batty and Francis Jupurrurla Kelly teamed up with the Indigenous media company PAW Media to produce Bush Mechanics,” Mr Kanellos said.
“The popular and quirky television series was only four episodes, but it captured the imagination of many Australians with a humorous look at Aboriginal ingenuity and improvisation.”
This exhibition has been developed by the National Motor Museum, a museum of the History Trust of South Australia, in conjunction with Pintubi Anmatjere Warlpiri (PAW) Media. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program.
Bush Mechanics is on display at the Museum of Geraldton from Saturday, 5 August 2023, to Sunday, 22 October 2023.
