More than 400 objects have been collected from across the state to link with hundreds of digital images and dozens of personal interviews and conversations in 38 traditional language groups.

The First Peoples exhibition is regarded as the most modern and diverse display of indigenous culture in Australia.

South-west identities including the late Banjo Clarke of Framlingham, Samuel Lovett and Alice Lovett, of Condah, and Ivan Couzens, of Warrnambool, are honoured with their stories and photographs, while contemporary identities include Heywood’s Aunty Eileen Alberts and Portland district activist Aunty Sandra Onus.

It also has a piece on Camperdown George (Wombeetch Puyan), who was a notable south-west full-blood Aborigine in the 1800s, remembered by an obelisk bearing his name in Camperdown.

Exhibition curator Amanda Reynolds told The Standard there had been overwhelming praise for the project since it opened in September.

“Visitors are immersed in an experience from the moment when they walk through the entrance,” she said.

“It covers history from creation to the present.

“Hundreds of people from all over Victoria tell their stories, including colonisation, the Stolen Generation and fights for rights.

“In our community consultations it was clear people wanted the museum to highlight their culture.

“We are very proud to have worked with so many south-west people.”

One of the main storytellers is Frank Clarke, of Renmark, who was formerly of Framlingham.

His great-great-grandfather was killed by native police in the 10-year Eumeralla war. Frank also went to Vietnam to fight for his nation.

Gundtijmara people fought in every major war and also frontier wars and warrior wars.

The story of Private Samuel Lovett and his niece Alice, who worked in the air force in World War II, highlights the amazing contribution of the Lovett family. 

A total of 20 Lovetts, including two women, served Australia in war and peacekeeping missions. Four brothers served in both world wars.

Unfortunately, their traditional lands at Lake Condah were sold for the state government’s soldier settlement scheme and an application by the Lovetts was denied.

“First Peoples has hundreds of stories told in first person,” Ms Reynolds.

“To have that amount of diversity in one place is unique.

“Nicky Winmar’s football jumper, Lionel Rose’s boxing glove, possum skin drums, mechanical interactive fire sticks — there’s something for everyone.”

Vicky Couzens, of Warrnambool, is the museum’s senior researcher for language and community. 

An interview with her father Ivan about the Aboriginal cricket team that toured England in 1868 is included in the exhibition.

There’s also a photograph of Banjo Clarke “The Wisdom Man” wearing a sheepskin jacket and a recorded interview with his son Len talking about the respected former Framlingham leader.

Eileen Alberts talks about the importance of links with traditional country and culture in the Lake Condah district. 

She grew up at Little Dunmore, near Heywood, where she learnt hunting and other traditional skills living with extended family.

Her uncle and great uncle wore emu feather shoes, while her grandmother was midwife for the area. 

Aunty Eileen now teaches indigenous and non-indigenous people about local culture and the importance of appreciating traditional lands.

The exhibition is open daily. Admission is $10 for adults.

pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au