Mackay community elders and artists open new exhibition

The Mackay community, including its mayor, has come together to welcome a new exhibition that tells the story of the town through the eyes of its elders. FIND YOUR PHOTO

The Mackay community came together on Saturday to welcome a new exhibition that aims to tell the story of the town through the eyes of its community elders.

Artists Janet Ambrose, Veronica Ah-Wang, Marion Healy and Anita Wano Sumner have partnered for the project where they share memories of the past through landscapes, portraits and weaving.

Find your photo at the event below:

Ms Ambrose said the exhibition is titled Mangroves: Peeling back the past, in reference to the mangroves as a symbol of movement, which would align with Mackay being a place of multicultural diversity.

Janet Ambrose, Veronica Ah-Wang, Marion Healy and Anita Wano Summer at the opening of the exhibition Mangroves: Peeling back the past on April 7, 2024. Picture: Cherrie Hughes

The ceremony before the opening comprised different speeches from the artists and their families, prayers and songs performed by Mackay elder Marion Healy and members of her family including Christian songs such as “Amazing Grace”.

Wide shot with Mackay elder Uncle Doug Mooney speaking at the opening of the exhibition Mangroves: Peeling back the past on April 7, 2024. Picture: Cherrie Hughes

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson was also present for the event and told the crowd Mackay was home to over 100 cultures.

“So really it is important to celebrate the ones that have been here the longest, the ones that have bring the most to our community and then wrap everybody up as one single community.”

“That’s what this exhibition does.

“We need as a community to continue this celebration of culture and of the past.”

The exhibition will be held at Gallery 31 at the CQ University campus until April 26.