Virtual Whadjuk (ATOM Study Guide)

Virtual Whadjuk is a Virtual Reality time machine that strips away the city high-rises before your eyes and transports audiences back nearly 200 years. Watch the ghostly city disappear and flyover the unique landscapes of Western Australia, as they existed before concrete, glass and European impact. Step into a thriving Aboriginal Australian culture and see the flora, fauna and landscapes as they existed in the moments before first contact with Europeans. The unique interactive documentary experience blends new mapping technologies, accurately generated landscapes, historical botanical data, 3D animation and interactive tasks, giving users an Aboriginal body and hands in which to explore the past. Experience first-hand a robust and deeply spiritual culture in the hours and moments before the arrival of European colonists. From being welcomed to country in a smoking ceremony, to hunting kangaroo and fishing with dolphins, Virtual Whadjuk ultimately allows the audience to bear witness to an historic first meeting of two very different cultures.

This unique moment in time has been built into an emotional and dramatic experience, allowing a window into the relationships of Whadjuk Noongar Aboriginal people to land, culture and identity prior to first contact.

Curriculum Links:

Virtual Whadjuk can be linked to the following subject areas within the Australian Curriculum.

• Year 11 Modern History (Unit 2: 'Movements for Change in the 20th Century')
• Languages (Years 8 & 9: 'Framework for Aboriginal Languages and Torres Strait Islander Languages')
• Civics and Citizenship (Years 8 & 9)
• English (Year 8)
• Geography (Years 7–9)
• Media Studies (Years 7–10)
• History (Year 7)