$80,000 TO PUT MYALL CREEK MASSACRE ON CANVAS 180 YEARS ON

$80,000 TO PUT MYALL CREEK MASSACRE ON CANVAS 180 YEARS ON

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, Anaiwan Elder and descendant of the Wirrayaraay survivors of the massacre Steve Widders and New England Regional Art Museum Project Director Rachel Parsons together at this morning’s funding announcement.

Wednesday, 17 January 2018

THE Myall Creek Massacre stands alone in its historical significance for Australia and a pivotal moment in the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The tragic slaughter of 28 unarmed Aboriginal men, women and children by white settlers on 10 June 1838 resulted in the first occasion where British subjects were charged, convicted and hanged for killing Aboriginal people.

This year marks the 180th anniversary of the massacre and the horrific event will be further commemorated, with the NSW Government providing $80,000 in financial support for the upcoming Myall Creek and Beyond exhibition.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall was joined today by Anaiwan Elder Steve Widders and New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) Project Director Rachel Parsons to announce the funding and launch the project, saying the exhibition would broaden community awareness of the brutal killings.

“The Myall Creek massacre marked a turning point in Australian history, where finally early settlers were finally brought to justice for the murders of Aboriginal people,” Mr Marshall said.

“Even 180 years later, the descendants of the survivors hold June 10 as a very significant and traumatic day, well deserving of increased community awareness.

“This funding will help create and display a series of new works from indigenous artists, commemorating and commiserating this terrible historic event.

“These artworks, videos and displays will form a key part of a publication education campaign, involving communities across the New England sharing their stories and understanding of the massacre.

“This will culminate in a symposium and publication later this year, helping to share the ongoing significance of Myall Creek with the broader community.”

Leading indigenous contemporary curator Bianca Beetson will bring together local artists including Judy Watson, Fiona Foley, Laurie Nilsen and Robert Andrew to create the works.

Myall Creek and Beyond is scheduled to run for five months at the New England Regional Art Museum, from Friday, 8 June, to Sunday, 14 October.

Mr Widders, a descendant of the Wirrayaraay survivors of the massacre, said the exhibition would help raise awareness of the murders.

“It will raise a lot more awareness and help the conversation continue. Up until 25 years ago no one even knew that the massacre had happened,” Mr Widders said.

“We can’t change what happened in the past, but doing things like this can change what happens in the future. It needs to be very public and the conversation needs to continue.”

NERAM Project Director Rachel Parsons said the project would find a different way to express the ongoing sorrow surrounding the tragedy.

“The exhibition brings attention to an important, yet tragic and uncomfortable event in history which continues to have an effect on many people,” Ms Parsons said.

“We’ve looked to include artists that explore politics, Australian Indigenous history, law, colonialism, loss of language and the important ongoing discussions about the aboriginal experience. Through this, we hope to give everyone an opportunity to see through these viewpoints.”

Recent Articles

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE MARK

25th March 2024

Monday, 25 March 2024 MARK Coulton is without doubt the hardest-working and dedicated local MP I have ever had the... Read More

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: RURAL & REGIONAL CRIME INQUIRY BEGINS

22nd March 2024

Friday, 22 March 2024 NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is encouraging local residents to contribute to the newly-established regional crime... Read More

FIRST PART OF MOREE LAW & ORDER PACKAGE PASSES LOWER HOUSE

20th March 2024

Wednesday, 20 March 2024 MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has welcomed the passage of the bail reform legislation through... Read More