Wed, 31/07/2013

On the 10th of July, Mary officially opened the Ginar Maliyan Indigenous Art Exhibition at the Belconnen Community Service Art Gallery, as part of the NAIDOC week celebrations.

The exhibition included artworks by members of the community group “Ginar Maliyan Mob” as well as from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from Barnardo’s.

“As a big supporter of the arts in all its forms, and also having lived and worked with remote indigenous communities for many years in Northern Territory, I know that the celebration of art, such as what we have here today, is an integral part of the fabric of Indigenous culture,” Mary said.

The Ginar Maliyan Mob is a community organisation that works with young Indigenous people to introduce them to their culture through art, dance, music, leadership, respect, caring for community, confidence and self-pride. It relies purely on community support and fundraising.

The paintings at the exhibition were for sale to help raise funds to get resources for the program. The artworks tell stories about the Maliyan- or Wedge Tail Eagle, which is one of the biggest predator birds in Australia.

“I congratulate Duncan Smith and the Ginar Maliyan group for their hard work in providing such a wonderful opportunity to these children and young people to learn their culture and other life skills,” Mary stated

“I also congratulate all the parents, carers, Barnardo’s, Belconnen
Community Service, local businesses and all the volunteers for their contribution towards this successful program,” Mary concluded.