Sometimes what seems to be a small thing has an importance way beyond the obvious. Today in a simple ceremony a powerful symbol of the Darumbal people, their culture and their journey was installed in pride of place in the heart of Rockhampton City Hall.
The Jim Webber Reception Room, the site of Rockhampton's most important Civic Ceremonies, has been completed by the addition of a custom made carpet depicting the Darumbal clans and their journey towards native title consent determination.
Darumbal Elder Aunty Nicky Hatfield said she was proud to see the work installed.
"It has been a long journey but it is lovely to see a lot of Darumbal culture embedded everywhere here on Darumbal country," said Aunty Nicky.
"Because this is home to most of us here now. It's our home and we're very proud of it.
"This is another step to non-indigenous people learning about their country's history, both black and white. So it's wonderful."
Darumbal artist Raymond Noel Garrett was engaged by Darumbal Enterprises in 2016 to create the original artwork for the native title consent determination and he said having it on display at City Hall is an honour.
"My first reaction when I was asked by Aunty Kristina Hatfield to create the official artwork, was a surprise, as I had been living away from the region for some time, but I love creating work which tells stories of my country," he said.
"To have it on display at City Hall in such a giant proportion is very humbling, and I am grateful to my elders and to Council for this opportunity," Mr Garett said.
Mayor Margaret Strelow said the importance to the local community as we map our shared future should not be underestimated.
"This is an appropriate recognition of the traditional owners of the beautiful place that we all call home. I was humbled and delighted when Darumbal suggested that an image, which was so important to them, should be shared in this most significant building and in this most significant room," Mayor Strelow said.
"It's very fitting that a symbol of the declaration of native title should be installed in City Hall in its in pride of place."
Additional Information:
Darumbal artist Raymond Noel Garrett, was born and raised in Rockhampton and lived here for 19 years before moving to Ipswich. Inspired by friend Jyi Lawton and brother Ernest Garrett, Raymond has emerged as a skilled and passionate artist with a talented eye for colour and a knack for telling stories with his artwork.
His creation, 'Nullu Muringa', is a colourful depiction of the many Darumbal clans and the animals with which they are associated. From top-left moving clockwise, the animals represented are the sea turtle; the barraru, or green tree frog; the barramundi; the emu; the rainbow serpent; and the kangaroo. At the heart of the canvas is the water lily, representing a meeting place for all the clans where the Darumbal People come together.
See more from today's ceremony on our Facebook page.
