Ngumpie Weaving Workshop
First Nations Workshop
Term 2, 11 - 12 and 22 - 24 May and Term 4, 18-20 October
Weaving is the olderst living craft in the world and has been used as an Indingeous method to create food and provide warmth for centuries. Students will learn about something sacred and special in this 75 minute session with Ngumpie Weaving artist Tegan Murdock.
In the Centre for Creativity | Sydney Opera House Presents | Schools
COVID-19 safety information
The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We’re committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable, with a number of measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. We encourage you to wear a mask in indoor settings or when physical distancing can’t be maintained, and please stay home if you feel unwell. If you need to discuss your ticketing or booking options, contact our Box Office team on 02 9250 7777.
Program runs in Term 2 on 11-12 and 22-24 May and in Term 4 on 18-20 October
Thursday 11 May 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Friday 12 May 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Monday 22 May 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Tuesday 23 May 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Wednesday 24 May 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Wednesday 18 October 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Thursday 19 October 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Friday 20 October 2023, 10am and 12.30pm
Suitable for Stages 2 - 5
This workshop is recommended for Years 3 - 6 and 7 - 10.
Standard tickets from $15
Minimum 25 students per workshop
| Ticket description | Price |
| Standard | $15 |
This workshop is $15 per student. Minimum group rates may apply for classes with less than 25 students. Ratio required for supervision is 1 teacher per 15 students. The only authorised ticket agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the FAQ below.
The duration of this event is 75 minutes
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change
What to bring on the day
All materials will be provided on the day.
Learning areas and curriculum links
Exploring First Nations identity and cultural practices, connection to nature and the land, and First Nations understanding of agricultural and sustainable weaving and tool-making practices in English, Aboriginal Studies, Visual Arts, Design and Technology and STEM.
"I use weaving as a way to connect back to culture while living."
Tegan Murdock, Barkindtji, Maraura, Yorta Yorta, Duduroa woman
A workshop with weaving, story and culture
Weaving is a traditional practice of purposeful and sustainable making. Aboriginal people use natural materials such as long grasses, gumnuts, flowers and leaves to weave baskets for gathering food and other materials, as coolamons to carry babies or place ochres in for painting in ceremony, as well as for decorative reasons for performance, corroboree and to express their identity.
Students will learn the importance of weaving and how Aboriginal people have used this craft to weave important things for our people to source food and provide for family. Students will also learn about different techniques and how all mobs across Australia use similar ways of weaving.
In this weaving workshop students will learn traditional techniques that have been passed on through generations. Students will also learn a craft of mindfulness, stillness and creativity amongst the class. Students will work with fibres such as Lomandra grass, raffia, and a mix of natural elements including gum nuts and emu feathers. Using these fibres students will make a number of different products ranging from bracelets, baskets, fish nets and headpieces all while sitting and yarning amongst each other.
Presented by Sydney Opera House
Meet the Artist...
Tegan Murdock, Barkindtji, Maraura, Yorta Yorta, Duduroa woman
My name is Tegan Murdock, I'm a proud Barkindji, Yorta Yorta woman. My passion for my culture and community can be traced back to when I was a little girl when I spent a lot of time living and connecting with community and my culture. Culture is something I grew up with and wish to keep sharing it to keep it strong for the next generations. I have been weaving for 6 years and learning this craft has been a saviour for me. Being still with this craft its helped me overcome depression and anxiety. Learning to weave has not only kept our traditional craft alive for family and community but has allowed me to help break down barriers for the wider community. I feel I have created a safe space for conversations.
I am dedicated to teaching this craft to many so we can continue this important conversation for many years to come.
Venue Information
The Centre for Creativity will adhere to a maximum capacity of 1 person per two square metres, in line with the current NSW Public Health Order.
Our foyers will be open 60 minutes pre-show for Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars. Please remember to maintain physical distancing whilst consuming drinks in our foyers.
All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer consistent with COVID-safe rules.
Transport options
- We encourage you to use private transport options to minimise crowding on public transport (in line with NSW Government advice).
- The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see their website for details.
- Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel and COVID-19 safety measures. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a 6 min walk to the Opera House.
Who is this workshop suited to?
This class is for beginners of all ages. Come along on your own, with a family member or group of friends.
Does my child need to wear a face mask?
Children under the age of 12 are not required to wear a face mask.
What should I bring on the day?
All materials are provided on the day. Wear something you're happy to get a bit creatively messy in.
Where is the workshop located?
The workshop is in our new Centre for Creativity at the end of the Western foyers, near the entrance to the Drama Theatre.
What if I am late for the workshop?
We will start promptly at the installation/workshop time, however if you are running late, please make your way to the Centre of Creativity where you can join the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions - Performance & Venue
What time do I need to arrive before the event?
We advise that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the event. Ticket purchases and collection at our Box Office is discouraged and eTicket or postal delivery methods should be used, wherever possible. However, if you are collecting your tickets from the Box Office, we recommend doing this at least 60 minutes before the event starts.
I have access needs. How can the Opera House support me?
Please advise us upon booking if you have any particular learning or mobility needs for us to support
Who are the authorised ticket sellers for this event?
The authorised agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House.
Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency such as Ticketmaster Resale, Viagogo, Ticketbis, eBay, Gumtree, Tickets Australia or any other unauthorised seller, you risk that these tickets are fake, void or have previously been cancelled. RESALE RESTRICTION APPLIES. For more details, please refer to our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events.
Where does this event/workshop/installation happen?
The workshop happens in our new Centre for Creativity at the end of the Western foyers, near the entrance to the Drama Theatre
What if I can't come to the event?
Please contact Box Office on 9250 7777 as soon as possible to advise if you can no longer attend. If you can no longer attend because you are unwell, or have been in contact with someone displaying COVID-19 symptoms, the Opera House has introduced flexible ticketing options to help you, find out more information here.
Will there be food and beverages available to be purchased in the venue?
Food and beverages will not be allowed in the Centre for Creativity unless specified in the event. Opera Bar, Opera Kitchen and Portside are also available to purchase food before your event. Please bring a credit or debit card for any on-site purchases to enable contactless payment.
Will there be bag checks, and is cloaking available?
All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to the foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer or as directed by Sydney Opera House staff, adhering to COVID-safe rules.
Can I smoke at the Opera House?
- The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Sydney Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House will become a smoke-free site from Saturday 1 January 2022.
- By becoming a smoke-free site, the Opera House seeks to reduce exposure to harmful second-hand smoke, as well as minimise the impact of smoking on the environment, including litter and pollution of the surrounding marine environment.
What safety measures have you implemented?
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of everyone on site, and we are closely following NSW Health guidelines and advice. The Sydney Opera House is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government. For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you when visiting, please see our plan your visit page.
What am I required to do as an audience member?
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
As you move around the Opera House, practise physical distancing (1.5 metres whenever possible) and follow the guidance provided by our staff and signage.
Within venues, always take your allocated seat.
For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you, please see our plan your visit page.
Do I need to be vaccinated to visit the Sydney Opera House?
The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Am I required to wear a mask?
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
How are you managing contact tracing?
Contact information is required when making a booking with us and upon arrival at the Opera House, as set out in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events and our Customer Privacy Statement.
As the ticket purchaser, you are responsible for recording the contact details of your guests. Contact information will only be used for the purposes of contact tracing, if required, and will be deleted at least 28 days after your event.
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