Community
23 January, 2024
Past brought back to life
DON’T miss the chance to reflect on the diverse past of Mission Beach at the current exhibition, Echo of the Past.
The Mission Beach Historical Society’s (MBHS) inaugural exhibition, Echo of the Past – Historical photographs from Mission Beach, 1890s – 1950s, is now on show at the Atherton Library until April 27.
Historic photographs (portraits, landscapes, social events and work life scenes), Djiru cultural objects, and memorabilia provide an insight in the diverse early history of Mission Beach.
Recollections from the coastal rainforest Djiru people, the first pioneers and later settlers, farmers, attendees at gatherings and war time events allow visitors to reflect on the past, preserve important memories and events, and foster and celebrate a sense of identity, diversity and cultural connections between Djiru and the wider community.
The exhibition includes a series of historic photographs (16 frames with more than 60 black and white photos – portraits, landscapes, social events and work life scenes), Djiru cultural objects (swords, spear thrower, eel trap, various stone implements and baskets) and memorabilia to provide an insight into the diverse early history of Mission Beach.
Djiru traditional owner, elder and artist Leonard Andy agreed to collaborate and co-curate the historic photographic exhibition.
The exhibition project was led by MBHS president, Dr Valerie Boll, an anthropologist and curator, who worked with Mr Andy and the Warrangburra Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC – PBC to source and document Djiru history and photographs.
MBHS members participated in researching and documenting historical photographs, writing text, labels and accompanying printed material and creating a slideshow for the display.
Dr Boll said the project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.
She said the MBHS would also like to thank the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation for their philanthropic support.
“The display offers a snapshot of our intriguing, beautiful, dynamic ‘frontier‘ region and its people, making the history of Far North Queensland accessible for current and future generations,” Dr Boll said.
“Through the themes of community, sea and land, the photographs and Djiru cultural objects have been used as points of focus to examine all aspects of Mission Beach history,” she said.
For more information about MBHS visit https://mbhs.com.au/
