This winter, as The Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into a wonderland of light and sound with Lightscape Melbourne, The Torch is proud to be a part of the magic! From 20 June – 10 August 2025, wander the illuminated trail and immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience alongside the dazzling light displays.

Nestled beside the shimmering Ornamental Lake, there is a special installation showcasing the works of seventeen talented First Nations artists from The Torch. The installation rests on the banks of the Ornamental Lake – a body of water that originally formed part of the Birrarung (Yarra). Great gatherings would take place along the banks of the Birrarung called Tanderrum, a great celebration of the Eastern/Central Gulinj (Kulin) of the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Dja Dja Wurrung, Boon Wurrung, Taungurung and Wadawurrung.

“This painting relates to me moving on from a troubled past. Jumping out of old habits and lifestyles and landing in a new pond full of opportunities. To finally succeed in the amazing life I was once throwing away, now to explore new things, see new people, get a new job and finally being content with where life is leading.”

– Troy S, Yorta Yorta people

The 2025 installation features a selection of powerful artworks, listed below.

• Sundae (Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai peoples), Turtle Dreaming, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 57 x 92 cm
• Troy S (Yorta Yorta people), Leap Of Faith!, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 50 x 61 cm
• Jonesy (Barkindji/Mialli peoples), Diving Ducks, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 42 x 51 cm
• GM Black (Yorta Yorta/Wemba Wemba peoples), My Story, 2024, acrylic on canvas 49 x 83 cm
• RB (Darug/Gunaikurnai peoples), Long-Necked Turtle,  2024, acrylic on canvas, 50 x 65 cm
• J.Riley (Wiradjuri people), Yabby Pond, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 46 x 46 cm
• Kathleen (Kamilaroi/Barkindji peoples), Yabbies, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 46 x 54 cm
• Trav H (Gunditjmara people), Long Fin Eel, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 51 x 77 cm
• Cole (Yorta Yorta/Wurundjeri peoples), Murray Cod, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 46 x 75 cm
• Dools (Gunaikurnai people), Platypus Dreaming #2, 2023, acrylic on canvas 53 x 88 cm
• LAFA’MILI (Yorta Yorta people), Taking Care of Our Platypus, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 70 x 61 cm
• Andrew M (Yorta Yorta people), Murray Cod Hunting, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 61 x 48 cm
• Jase C (Gunditjmara people), The Long Finned Eels of the Hopkins, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 72 x 64 cm
• Lukey A (Yorta Yorta people), Ponde – The Murray Cod 2022, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 59 cm
• A.Smith (Waka Waka people), My Spirit Totem, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 cm
• Dylan K (Yorta Yorta/Mutti Mutti/Gunditjmara/Barkindji/Wemba Wemba peopls), Connecting Through Barkindji Totems, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 55 x 70 cm

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Lightscape Melbourne. Tickets are available now, so head to the Lightscape website to plan your visit. Help shine a light on the stories of First Nations Australians.