This exhibition celebrates Menang people’s profound connections to the land and sea surrounding Albany.  Featuring significant objects from the WA Museum and international institutions, the exhibition highlights Menang kaartdijin (knowledge) of Boodja (Country) and the rich history of Menang relationships with early visitors and settlers. 

185 years ago Menang shared their knowledge of Country with early colonist Robert Neill. During a 10 year period Menang and Neill caught, preserved, and named a large collection of local fish. Neill included the Menang names with his exquisite paintings of these fish. He sent the paintings and specimens of the fish and other local animals, to museums in England and Scotland. Neill also made portraits of his Menang acquaintances and collected their spear throwers, axes, knives and feather decorations. In 2026 this material will be brought together for the first time anywhere in the world and displayed in Albany.

This exhibition places Menang encounters with Neill within the broader context of early interactions with other European visitors – explorers, naturalists, whalers, and sealers. Menang contributions to the collection of plants and animals from this region helped place Albany on the global scientific map.

Curated by the WA Museum and Deakin University in collaboration with members of the Menang community, this exhibition shares research, Menang kaartdijin, and contemporary Menang fishing stories.

The exhibition is jointly funded by the City of Albany, the Foundation of the WA Museum, the WA Museum, and Metal Manufacturers Electrical Merchandising.

The project will also deliver a related symposium, book and curriculum materials.