Senator Neville Bonner AO has today been honoured with the unveiling of a commemorative sculpture and pavement artwork in the National Triangle in Canberra.
Neville Bonner AO (1922-1999), a Jagera man, was the first Aboriginal person elected to any Australian Parliament, as Senator for Queensland.
Neville Bonner's depiction is based on his 1971 boomerang throwing demonstration nearby, in the Senate Old Parliament House Rose Gardens. Bonner stands with his totem, Kabul the carpet snake, overlaid with a boomerang design.
Following the 1967 referendum, Bonner entered politics and joined the Liberal Party. In 1971 Bonner was appointed to the Senate of the Federal Parliament and then elected in 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1980.
In 1979 Bonner was named Australian of the Year in recognition of his advocacy for Indigenous rights and in 1984 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.
The statue of Senator Bonner, unveiled by Senator for the ACT the Hon Katy Gallagher, is located near the north-west corner of Old Parliament House. Sitting opposite the Two Dames sculpture, the first sculpture in the trailblazer series.
The artworks were conceived as a set piece, symmetrical to the Land Axis that is a key feature of the National Triangle.
The project team supported by the National Capital Authority includes -
- Sculptor Louis Laumen
- Pavement artwork artist David Doyle
- Sculpture Co
- RAM Constructions; and
- Harris Hobbs Landscapes.
Quotes attributable to Senator for the ACT, the Hon Katy Gallagher:
"Senator Neville Bonner AO was Australia's first Indigenous Parliamentarian and he lived up to that "double responsibility" that he referred to in his first speech by paving the way for others to follow.
"When he was appointed to the Senate on 11 June 1971, Neville Bonner carried the hopes and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country. Successfully contesting four elections, over his twelve years in Parliament, Neville became known for something so valuable in politics: principled consistency.
"A proud Jagera man from a long way away found his way to Canberra and wrote his name in the ongoing story of this amazing country. It is my honour on behalf of the Australian Government to unveil his commemoration today in the National Triangle.
"Since Neville, another 15 First Nations Australians have served as politicians across all major political parties and as independents in both the House and the Senate."
Quotes attributable to artist Louis Laumen:
"I was excited by the brief for this commemoration from the moment I came across it. It has been a honour to be involved in this project alongside Sculpture Co and my fellow artist, David Doyle.
"Looking at the imagery that was taken on the day Neville Bonner brought his boomerangs to Parliament House, I knew what was most important was to capture both the physical action of throwing a boomerang and the spirit of the man. The importance of getting the likeness is about being truthful, and I hope it is appreciated in this work."
Quotes attributable to National Capital Authority CEO, Karen Doran:
"The National Triangle is home to some of Australia's greatest stories and I am thrilled to see another significant moment in our history being captured and celebrated in our Nation's capital.
"More than 50 years' on from his boomerang throwing demonstration on the lawns of the Old Parliament House Senate Rose Gardens, it is a fitting addition to honour Senator Neville Bonner with this commemoration just outside the Gardens.
"The stories of Senator Bonner will continue to inspire all Australians beyond the call to politics. I encourage Australians to take the opportunity to learn about the man, his life and his significant contributions. Explore our wonderful National Cultural Institutions where the stories of Senator Bonner and other trailblazers alike will leave you with a stronger sense of pride for our nation and the opportunities we have.
