2006 Speeches

Address by TSRA Portfolio Member for Education, Training, Employment & Art

 Mr Jesse Sagaukaz

Gatherings II Launch, Gab Titui Cultural Centre

29 July 2006

I would like to begin by acknowledging:

• The traditional owners of this land – the Kaurareg People
• Elders
• Dr Jonathan West, Executive Director, Queensland Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation
• Artists
• Ladies and Gentlemen

Thank you for inviting me here tonight to take part in the Torres Strait launch of this celebration of Queensland’s Indigenous Artists, Gatherings II. 

The pages of this book showcase the enormous pool of Indigenous talent that Queensland contains, including 15 from the Torres Strait. 

I congratulate the Queensland Premier and the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation, for sharing the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) vision of promoting and preserving Torres Strait art. 

The TSRA recognises that culture is critical in identifying ourselves as Indigenous people. Through-out history, it has been our art, dance, stories and song which have recorded significant events as well as myths and legends. 

We are actively seeking to revitalise, protect and promote our unique Ailan Kastoms, by encouraging both individuals and organisations to practice and refine their knowledge and skills in Torres Strait arts and culture. 

Just last month, the most recent TSRA and Queensland Government supported Art Centre, was opened in Kubin Community. This Centre is run by the Mualgau Mineral Artists Collective, a group of Torres Strait artists who are taking the step towards not only protecting and maintaining their culture but also attempting to enter local products into the wider arts market. 

The Collective, which include some of the artists featured in Gatherings II, such as Billy Missi and Dennis Nona, is a great example of how our art is assisting our communities, by bringing them together, contributing to positive social and community cohesion, and providing economic opportunities, by enhancing incomes and community development. 

Indigenous art has also played an important role in modern Australian society. It is educating the wider Australian community of our history and cultural beliefs and customs. It has also brought people together, not only to gain an understanding on our traditional way of life, but it has also assisted in reconciling past differences. 

I am pleased to see that important initiatives such as Gatherings II are being supported by all levels of Government. It is these projects which are highlighting the important contributions that Indigenous people are making to the Australian community today. 

On behalf of the TSRA Board, and the Gab Titui Cultural Centre I would like to congratulate once again the Queensland Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation for their support for Gatherings II and the officers who assisted in compiling the book. 

Most importantly, I would like to congratulate all the artists featured in Gatherings II, in particular the Torres Strait artists, for sharing their culture, artwork, experiences and talent to Queensland and the rest of the world to enjoy.