Events 

Join us at our dynamic and inspiring events at Ondru.

 All Events

 
Voices Near and Far
Aug
26
to 27 Aug

Voices Near and Far

Launch: Saturday, 26 August 2023, 3pm - 4.30pm

Panel Discussions: Sunday 27 August 2023, 12noon - 1pm / 2pm to 3pm

Exhibition: Saturday 26 August and Sunday 27 August 2023, 11am - 5pm

Queenscliff Uniting Church 85 Hesse Street Queenscliff, VIC 3225 Australia

Ondru is excited to announce our two-day event, Voices Near and Far that will showcase visual and oral stories of refugees and First Nations People.

Over the course of the event, you will have the opportunity to view powerful photographic portraits from our projects, Voiceless Journeys and Dhum-Djirri Ngagu and take part in panel discussions with people whose stories feature in these projects.

Voiceless Journeys

One of ONDRU’s most significant bodies of work, this project conveys the silent stories of 101 refugees who, through conflict or necessity, left their countries to make a new life in Australia. The images found within the book were initially large-scale installations exhibited on the streets of Melbourne. These images brought the project to life and became the inspiration for the book. See video.

Dhum-Djirri Ngagu (Speak, Hear, Understand):

Recently completed, this book knits together strong photographic portraits and stories of connection to country, community and culture from interviews with First Nations people from the Whittlesea Shire. It positions the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders at the centre of the Australian narrative and provide a space for individuals and families to share unheard stories, encourage collective recognition and motivate dignified reconciliation. More info here.

The Panel Discussions

The panel discussions will be facilitated by Alison Marchant, the current MP for the Shire of Bellarine.

Voiceless Journeys Panel

Sengita Gonkarnue (Bock), Liberia

Bock was born in a town called Yah Butuo in Nimba County, Liberia. Due to the civil war, he was displaced during his childhood and grew up in neighboring countries separated from his parents. He had fled between Ivory Coast,  Sierra Leone and Liberia during the various wars while squatting and working labouring jobs as a child. 16 years later, he was reunited with his mother and siblings in Australia on humanitarian asylum.  While having no prior formal education, he is currently a final-year university student studying for a bachelor’s degree in Community Development at Victoria University. He has been supporting youth development projects in Liberia and hopes to contribute to his nation through better education for the less fortunate.

 First Nations Panel

We are delighted that respected Wadawurrung elder, Aunty Mary Shuttleworth will share her story.

Wadawurrung People are the Traditional owners of Wadawurrung Country – the land, waters, seas and skies that encompass the area from the Great Dividing Range in the North to the Coast country in the south, from the Werribee River in the East, the start of the Great Ocean Road in the West. The Wadawurrung family have looked after and cared for this land and its waters for over a thousand generations and still do to this very day.

Our Past Work


Ondru projects’ have touched upon issues such as identity displacement, mental health, homelessness, autism, women’s rights and indigenous consciousness. Various art forms such as photography, theatre, dance, film, music, sculpture, poetry, and digital and public art installations have played a role in bringing these issues to light and as we continue to pursue our mission, we would love to share our work with you. Here’s what you need to know.

Exhibition

When: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August, 2023

Time: 11 am – 5 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Launch: Saturday, 26 August 2023, 3pm - 4.30pm

Where: Queenscliff Uniting Church, 85 Hesse St, Queenscliff, VIC 3225

Cost: Free entry for the exhibition, although donations are welcome.

Panel Discussions


Voiceless Journey Panel Discussion - $20 AUD at 12:00-13:00

First Nations Panel Discussion- $20 AUD at 14:00-15:00

Both Panels - 35 AUD

Door Tickets are also available




View Event →
Ondru: Lost & Found
Mar
11
Future, All Events

Ondru: Lost & Found

We’d love nothing more than for you to come and join us for a night of fun and celebration, led by a passionate group of individuals who strongly believe in the power of belonging and connection. Ondru gives a voice to those often unheard and each project invites deeper inquiry into issues of social injustice to increase awareness and inspire positive action.

View Event →

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

We use art as a universal language to inspire positive social change.

 

  • Traditionally, Ondru is a Tamil word (from language spoken in parts of Sri Lanka & South India) meaning one. We have defined ONDRU as (Tamil; ஒன்று) n. one, equality; v. become one with. To us, Ondru is a place where people and ideas come together; where diversity unites.

  • Ondru is a Melbourne-based, non-profit, humanitarian organisation striving for a more connected, compassionate and equitable society. Our projects invite deeper inquiry into issues of social injustice and provide a voice to the voiceless. Each project attempts to build a sense of community and bring light to issues that remain in the dark. We have conducted our works in Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and parts of Africa, and always exploring new possibilities.

  • Yes, Ondru (ABN 51 600 099 456 / ACN 600 099 456) is both a not-for-profit and a charity. We were registered as a public company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 and were registered in Victoria on 19 June 2014. We were registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) on 01 November 2019. We are also registered as a Cultural Organisation with the Australian Ministry for the Arts, within the Attorney-General's Department.

  • Yes, we were granted with the deductible gift recipient (DGR) status on 09 April 2015 and can receive tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, philanthropic bodies and other organisations. Donations over $2 are fully tax-deductible. We rely on the vital support of generous individuals and organisations to ensure our work continues and flourishes. Please click here to DONATE.

  • Yes, Ondru as a charity has been endorsed by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) to access income tax exemption.

  • Yes of course and we would love to have you join us. You can donate to us, help us fundraise, volunteer or support our work in many other ways. Please refer to Support Us for more detail.

  • No, the intention behind our work is to evoke thought, provoke feelings and inspire action for positive change on issues of social injustice. We are focused on providing a voice to those often left silent, unheard or misunderstood. In the past, our projects have explored the issues of identity & displacement, health & well-being, homelessness, war & violence, and Indigenous issues. We are always considering new and emerging issues to focus on and develop projects.

  • We welcome all queries and possibilities. Please Get in touch if you would like to support our work, find out more about our projects or want to join our team. We will respond to you as soon as practicable. Thank you!

 Your Support

 

We rely on the generous support of many organisations and individuals to create art that evokes, challenges and inspires positive social change, and your donation really matters.