Wulgurukaba & Bindal Country (Townsville)
One Journey: Many Stories Many People Many Places
Big Eye Arts & Culture Centre
'One Journey: Many Stories Many People Many Places.'
Big Eye Arts & Cultural Centre are presenting a new mural artwork at their centre to share with the broader community, for all to see and gather around to learn a little more about the histories of the local Countries, Gurambilbara (Townsville), and Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) and the Wulgurukaba Traditional Custodians.
From the beginning, when the Traditional Owners walked this land, many Clan groups would visit the mainland to partake in trading, sharing, bartering and ceremony along the foreshore. Then a visitor arrived at what is known as Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) and changed the ways of life maintained for over 60,000 years. It was through this that many people, including South Sea Islanders, were brought here against their will, known as ‘Blackbirding’ (Slave Trade). It was at this time that the people of the Torres Strait started to move into the area.
Some were brought to Gurambilbara shores via ships, others had arrived seeking progress to build a new place through their own dreams in industries that still surround us today. Those Torres Strait and South Sea Islanders were an integral part to the make up of this community after being displaced from their own Islands.
The landmarks across Townsville hold special meaning for the Wulgurukaba people and their neighbouring groups. Big Eye celebrates this through their unique contemporary painting of story across generations. The mural presents the environment of the sea, land, trees, and animals, the food sources for the daily life of many alongside images of ceremonies, gatherings and the first ships that entered Cleveland Bay.
Big Eye hopes that by sharing these stories with the broader community, people will become more engaged with where they live and the Countries’ histories.
Feature Image Credits: Linda A Oliver, Heritage: Kuku Yalanji & Waanyi, Medium: Acrylic on Canvas.
About Big Eye Arts & Culture Centre
Big Eye Arts & Cultural Centre is an Indigenous Arts and Culture business that showcases, promotes and preserves Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art, Culture and Stories. The centre has a shop, a gallery and a flexible studio and outdoor area. Big Eye produces and hosts the Townville Blak Art Markets every second Saturday. Every Thursday they run a Cultural food day for the general public to enjoy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dishes while meeting and getting to know artists and performers who work with the centre. Artists can create art on site and offer regular workshops. They also run arts and cultural education for schools and workspaces.
The Big Eye Arts & Culture Centre is run by Aunty Rosalind Sailor and an incredible group of volunteers. https://www.facebook.com/aboriginalartcentretsv.
Event Information
Location Details
81-83 Flinders Street Townsville Townsville, QLD, Australia 4810.
Venue Accessibility
This venue’s conditions include:
- Nearby accessible parking.
- Nearby accessible public transport (bus station and ferry station).
- Accessible third-party scooter options throughout CBD city centre (for travel).
- Nearby street drop-off points.
- Wheelchair accessibility.
- An accessible entrance (both ramp and stairs) and no obstructions to the path upon entering.
- Signage indicating it is a PUNQ program.
- Venue is close to accessible public bathroom facilities that offer wider doors, adequate floor space to move around in the bathroom, and fixtures designed for comfort including hand railings and low-effort tap handles (in Flinders Square).
- Quiet spaces available for participants, this location will have ambient or no music playing.
- Venues have been strategically designed for clear pathways throughout with a focus on minimising clutter.
Pricing
This is a free and on-going event during the festival.
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri 9am-4:30pm
Sat 9am-3pm
Sun 9:30am-1pm
