New artwork on display at Excelsior Library
Local Aboriginal contemporary artist Tania Ault’s painting ‘Ancient Ways – Future Destinations’ is now on display at the Excelsior Library.
The artwork represents the past, present, and future of the Charters Towers Region and is the design inspiration for Council’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
The Charters Towers Region encompasses the land of Traditional Owners the Gudjala, Birriah, Gugu Badhun, and Jangga people.
Mayor Frank Beveridge said the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is the first step towards genuine reconciliation between Council and the Region's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Council adopted the plan at the last General Meeting of Council,” he said.
“It will help to set out the steps needed to prepare Council for reconciliation initiatives in future Reconciliation Action Plans.
“We sought feedback from the Traditional Owner peoples on it, and we will continue to work very closely with them to carry out the steps in this plan and help shape future ones,” Mayor Beveridge said.
Artists Tania Ault said she is proud to have her painting on display at the library.
“The past is represented in the painting through the large circles to tell the story of communication through corroboree, dance, and celebration,” she said.
“The ochre colours used represent traditional culture.
“Meanwhile the present is represented by the leaves floating downstream in one direction and represents our hopes and aspirations for the Charters Towers community as we move into the future together.
“The four maroon wavy lines at the top of the artwork represent our future and the four roads in and out of the Charters Towers Region.
“These roads link us to the northern region of Queensland and helps establish as a business hub and vibrant community made up of many people,” Miss Ault said.
A digital copy of the Reflection Reconciliation Action Plan is available on Council’s website.
Hard copies can be found at Council’s Administration Centre and the Excelsior Library.