The Bellbrook community has celebrated the official unveiling of its new sculpture “Wupu Manhatinum” (Travelling Star) and dedicated the public artwork to the late Aboriginal elder and artist, Aunty Esther Quinlin.
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A large turnout of family, local school students and community members attended the unveiling of the sculpture which is part of the Dunghutti Story Trail – Dhanggati Wirriyn Yapang project.
Kempsey Shire Council’s Community Projects Officer, Olivia Parker, said the sculpture celebrated the Macleay’s rich cultural heritage and marked the western gateway into Dunghutti country.
“The project aims to create and install public artworks in the shire to promote our proud Dunghutti heritage by promoting awareness of the importance of Aboriginal culture in the Macleay,” she said.
“The project involved contributions from Aunty Esther, Uncle Richard Campbell, Elwyn Toby and Caroline Bradshaw from the Ngabu Bingayi language Group, and artists Guy Crosley and Malcolm Dickson.
“With support from Aunty Esther’s family, the project group continued her vision for the sculpture and have dedicated the artwork in her memory.”
The sculpture was funded by Kempsey Shire Council and Create NSW with support from Kempsey Family Support Services, MNC Local Area Health District, Many Rivers Regional Housing and the Bellbrook Progress Association.
