A historical art project, featuring personal stories of local indigenous elders, will be launched in Kempsey this month.
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The Painting Country, Mapping the Macleay project features 48 Elders’ who have shared their stories about life growing up on the missions and reserves in areas like Bellbrook, Greenhill, Burnt Bridge and coastal areas in the valley.
The project has been facilitated by Emily King and Uncle Bob Smith who have digitally recorded and translated the stories over a 12 month period.
With the support of Kempsey Shire Council and Melville High School, its aim is to develop a process of retaining stories and language for future generations.
Mr Smith said the elders, who all live in Dunghutti country, view the project as an important cultural resource and an educational tool for children in the Macleay.
“The Macleay Valley Gooris have a treasure chest of yarns and stories that have impacted upon and made lasting impressions on their lives,” Mr Smith said.
“Some are filled with laughter and others with mixed emotions and tinges of sadness.
“All the elders that participated have done so voluntarily. It’s an insight into their lives and just a way for them to pass those stories down.”
The digital recordings of the stories were shown to 11 schools throughout the Macleay. The school students, with the help of local artists Uncle Richard Campbell, Uncle Milton Budge, Aunty Esther Quinlin and Elwyn Toby then developed their interpretations of the stories into paintings to form a large mural.
The stories have also been compiled into an hour long documentary put together by Frontyard Films, operated by Amanda King and Fabio Cavadini with Sam Petty acting as the creative consultant and working on the post production of the film.
A soundtrack to accompany the documentary was created by local band Still Thinking which comprises of Goori Boys and Melville High students Terry Button, Blair Wise, Jarrah Egar Hoskins and Aiden Hill.
Mr Smith, who grew up on a mission himself, encouraged the community to come and view the film and exhibition.
“This is a first for the community. It’s a very unique exhibition,” he said.
“We recorded about 30 minutes for each community, the likes of Bellbrook and Greenhill, so the video being launched amalgamates them all together.
“It shows our valley, our kids, our elders and our teachers.
“A lot of thanks has to go to our elders for giving their stories so generously.”
The community is invited to attend the launch of the film ‘Painting Country’ and the 'Dunghutti Stories of Yesterday’ art exhibition at Melville High School’s Community Hall on Nicholson St, South Kempsey on Monday, February 8 at 10am. To RSVP phone 6562 7511.