Fraser Coast Scene - June 2023

FIRST CONTACT

Despite blustery conditions and the threat of rain, a sizeable crowd quietly assembled in Maryborough’s Queens Park on Saturday morning, 22 April, 2023. The crowd gathered to witness the unveiling of a memorial many years in the making, the passion project of distinguished Butchulla Elder, Uncle Glen Miller.

In 2003 Uncle Glen was driving into a country Queensland town with long-time friend, John Felan, when they approached a Cenotaph, standing proudly in the town’s centre. Observing it caused John to turn to Uncle Glen and ask “where is the monument for all of the Indigenous men who died protecting this country?” The question ignited a spark in Uncle Glen’s mind that could not be extinguished. Taking this project of truth telling and historical justice on, Uncle Glen worked tirelessly to secure the funding and support necessary to make his vision come to life. He sought to have the memorial made as locally as possible. He reached out to world renown local foundry, Olds & Sons, who worked with Uncle Glen to design a fitting monument.

The Butchulla Warriors’ Memorial monument is a strikingly beautiful yet understated bronze. Featuring three Butchulla shields scattered on the ground as Butchulla defenders would have dropped them – each shield inflicted with a musket ball hole – it depicts an encounter between Butchulla Warriors and European settlers. Conflicts between Indigenous tribes involved throwing spears at your enemy, who would then pick them up and throw them back. It asks us to imagine these men attempting to defend their Country against the colonisers, having

Story: Dan Walker | Photo: Jessica Cook

thrown their spears and expecting them to be thrown back, but instead being mown down by musket balls.

“I just want the observer to stand in front of that monument and think about that moment – when men threw their spears and stood there – in that first contact with Europeans.

“Aboriginal men were involved in a very long conflict that began in Australia on 26th of January 1788 and continued for over a hundred years.

“This conflict has never been recognised, is rarely mentioned and is one in which many Aboriginal warriors lost their lives in defence of their country.” said Uncle Glen Miller.

It is estimated that at least 100,000 Australian Aboriginals were killed during colonisation. Some conflicts occurring as recently as 1934.

However, rather than looking to attach blame or guilt, Uncle Glen sees the monument as a testament to true reconciliation.

“I hope that people will see it as the beginning of a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.”

In fact, Uncle Glen says he was genuinely overwhelmed by the support of the community in realising this project with people from various backgrounds all coming together to share this story. It has le him feeling optimistic about achieving true reconciliation in Australia. It was somewhat fitting then, that just as the memorial was unveiled and the crowd joined together to sing “I am Australian” by the Seekers, that the clouds parted and the sun shone through the crown of the Bunya Bunya and onto the monument and crowd below. While it may have marked the end of a long journey, it was also just the beginning.

Read the full story at www.ourfrasercoast.com.au

COVER IMAGE: Jane Estelle Bailey, The Park Keeper Installation, The Story Bank Maryborough. Photography: Amanda Kratzmann

Fraser Coast Regional Council acknowledges to the east, the Butchulla (Badtjala) and to the west, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) People, their connection to Country (land, sea and sky) and recognises the many places of cultural, spiritual, social and economic significance in the community.

We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present and emerging. The Fraser Coast Regional Council also acknowledges other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who reside in and have connections with the Fraser Coast Region.

STAY INSPIRED!

This guide shares a taste of Council’s arts, culture and heritage program and was correct at time of printing. To keep up to date with the latest information visit our website.

We welcome contributions from our creative community. To find out more email: ArtsCulture@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

Fraser Coast Scene is distributed free as a marketing and engagement initiative of Fraser Coast Regional Council. It’s about promoting Council’s programs and services by sharing stories of our arts and cultural community and their connection to Council’s spaces.

Contents are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written permission.

www.ourfrasercoast.com.au

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www.ourfrasercoast.com.au

Morning Melodies - A Hard Knock Life

Thu 1 Jun | 11 AM

Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine

Sat 3 Jun | 7.30PM

Rekindle the Campfires

Sun 4 Jun | 2PM

Opera Queensland - Lady Sings the Maroons

Wed 3 May | 7PM

Join Jonathon Welch as he sings a selection of songs and ballads that have shaped his musical career.

Opera Queensland takes a deep dive into the Queensland songbook to celebrate some of Australia’s most loved artists.

Good - NT LIVE

Sun 25 Jun | 4PM

Tue 11 Jul | 1PM

Screening. John Halder is a good man. But good men must adapt to survive. How is it possible to be a ‘good’ person when things are falling apart?

From the trauma and heartbreak of war in their country, to the major cities of stages of Australia. This is the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine.

Charmaine Wilson - The Australian Medium

Sun 16 Jul | 2PM

Charmaine Wilson is a world-renowned Australian medium, who has been consistently recognised for her skill and compassion.

Jon Vea Vea and his band ‘Cobblestone’ share a narrative of the events of both Indigenous Australians and the westerners who settled here and struggled in their own journey.

Rhythms of Ireland

Fri 21 Jul | 7.30PM

Whether you’re a fan of Irish music, dance or simply love to be entertained, Rhythms of Ireland promises to deliver a performance that will leave you breathless and longing for more.

5 Walker Street, Maryborough 4122 6060

Box Office Open Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 4pm

Best of Enemies - NT Live

Mon 5 Jun | 1PM

Sun 11 Jun | 4PM

Screening. In 1968 America, as two men fight to become the next president, all eyes are on the battle between two others.

Echoes of Pink Floyd

Fri 23 Jun | 8PM

Signs of Life will take the listener on a voyage bringing back those heady years of 1988, with the best songs from the Delicate Sound of Thunder tour.

The Ten TenorsGreatest Hits Tour

Sat 24 June | 2PM

The Greatest Hits tour will feature the most loved and requested songs the Tenors have performed across their 28 year history.

Burn the Floor

Tue 1 Aug | 7.30PM

World renown Ballroom and Latin dance company Burn the Floor collaborates with Indigenous star Mitch Tambo to create a ground breaking brand-new production.

Brolga Live @ Poona

Poona Community Hall

Sat 17 Jun | 2 - 5PM

Join us for three hours of free live music & fun in the Winter sun.

FRED SMITH

COTTA

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FREE ENTRY Open Tuesday to Friday: 10am - 4pm

Weekends: 10am - 2pm.

EXHIBITIONS: SAT 10 JUN - SUN 27 AUG

Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY

The first survey of renowned Waanyi artist Gordon Hookey. Across sculpture, printmaking, video, and large-scale painting, Hookey presents perspectives on historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

EVENTS, WORKSHOPS AND TALKS

Double Exhibition Opening

Fri 9 Jun | 5.30PM-7.30PM

Be the first to see HBRG’s two new exhibitions.

Blind Contour Drawing Workshop

Sat 10 Jun | 10AM-11 AM

Young ones are invited to join a family friendly portrait drawing workshop with Origin Story artist Jack Rodgers.

Origin Story

Inspired by our state’s passion for the greatest sporting rivalry of all time, Origin Story brings together artists from across the region to reflect on the cultural contribution of State of Origin to Queensland’s identity.

Gordon Hookey Floor Talk

Sat 10 Jun | 11 AM-11.30AM

Hear from exhibiting artist Gordon Hookey on a roving tour of his exhibition A

MURRIALITY.

HBRG Winter Makers’ Market

Sat 24 Jun | 10AM-1PM

Browse a curated selection of the best local and handmade design in the region.

Images (clockwise from top le ): Gordon Hookey in his studio. Photography: Rhett Hammerton; Featuring: Phillip Piperides, Darren Lockyer, 2011, bronze sculpture; HBRG Makers Market (Dec 2022); Gordon Hookey Exhibition Opening 2022. Photography: Joe Ruckli. Courtesy of the IMA.

Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay 4197 4206

311 Kent St, Maryborough 4190 5818 FREE ENTRY Open Tuesday to Friday: 9.30am - 3.30pm

Weekends: 9.30am - 2pm.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS: UNTIL SUN 4 JUN

Spectrum of Life: A Retrospective - Peter Hughes

Simply Stitches - Heritage City Embroiderers

Miniaturised Maryborough - Marilyn Murray

Meet the Bells: A Wallum Journey - Joolie Gibbs

EXHIBITIONS: FRI 9 JUN - SUN 23 JUL

Exhibition Opening Fri 9 June | 6PM

Music for Life

Mark Crocker

The Glassery

Jo Bone, Lucy Quinn, Aaron Micallef and Christine Atkins

CREATIVE SPACE POP-UP EXHIBITIONS:

UNTIL SUN 4 JUN

Consequences

Kelly Mac

150th Anniversary of Maryborough Trains

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Butchulla Warriors’ Memorial

CREATIVE SPACE EXHIBITIONS:

SAT 10 JUN - SUN 23 JUL

76th Annual Art CompetitionMaryborough Regional Art Society

ARTIST TALK & ACTIVITIES

Printmaking - refine your skills

Sat 3 Jun | 10AM - 2PM

Kelli Mac

Sat 10 Jun | 11 AM

Images (clockwise from top right): Butchulla Memorial; Wendy Bache Singing Flowers; Mary Ann Steam Train; Kelli Mac Roo Ted; Mark Crocker ‘Molly’; Jo Bone Upcycled glass