Indigenous banner recognition in Huonville

Local Aboriginal artwork has brightened up the main street of a Tasmanian community as the council progresses works on its Reconciliation Action Plan.

• Artefacts to return to country
• Indigenous fishing practices in the spotlight

BANNERS featuring the artwork of local Aboriginal artists Reuben Oates are lining the Main St of Huonville as part of NAIDOC Week as the Huon Valley Council develops its Reconciliation Action Plan.

Mayor Bec Enders said the council wanted to strengthen its relationships and working

partnerships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and support its languages, culture and heritage.

Each banner features one segment of Mr Oates commissioned artwork, From the Valley.

“From the Valley is inspired by life in the Huon Valley,” Mr Oates said.

“I wanted to signify four key aspects of the valley: the Huon River as the chain that connects it, the farming work and lifestyle that brings our community together, the orchards and fruit that have been part of our bloodline and reputation for generations and the roots as a symbol of growth and heritage passed on.

Huon Valley Council celebrates NAIDOC Week 2020 with locally designed street banners by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Reuben Oates. Picture Chris Kidd

“Whether you’re a member of the Aboriginal community and are connected to the land, a

local farmer, someone who has lived in the valley your whole life, a lover of the local fruit or

nature, or just passing through to take in the breathtaking landscape, I feel there is

something relevant in these paintings for you.”

Mayor Enders said the Reconciliation Plan would scope the capacity for reconciliation and set out actions to prepare the council for the journey ahead.

“It is vital for council that our actions are genuine and meaningful as we work together with our local Aboriginal people to develop the RAP. There is so much to learn about Aboriginal life in Tasmania – a culture that is over 40,000 years old in Tasmania.”

“We invite Aboriginal people and groups in the Huon Valley to contact us on [phone]

or [e-mail] for a private discussion – we want to hear what you think.”

Follow Reuben Oates Art on Facebook and Instagram, artmob.com.au/artist/reuben-oates