A spectacular colourful artistic projection of the endangered coastal emu has won the ‘Events, Exhibitions and Tours’ category in the NSW 2023 National Heritage Trust awards.

The project involved artworks from local Indigenous artists celebrating the coastal emu being projected onto the Sunshine Sugar building at South Grafton during Jacaranda season.

The Building Bridges Emu Projections saw council work with local First Nations artists, Sunshine Sugar, Esem projects, Transport for NSW and Australian Rail Track Corporation to bring the project to fruition.

The project was led by Community Project Officer Sarah Nash, who said she was proud to accept the award on behalf of Clarence Valley Council at the heritage listed Doltone House in Pyrmont, Sydney on Friday, May 12.

“It’s fantastic to be recognised by The National Trust as a celebration of our natural heritage as well as the historically significant Grafton Bridge precinct,” Ms Nash said.

“This projection is part of a project that celebrates public art in the Clarence. 

“Public art tells stories about the places where we live, and the emu projection tells the story of our much loved, endangered coastal emu through the eyes of local Aboriginal artists.”

The NSW National Trust Heritage Awards celebrate excellence in the conservation of Aboriginal, built, natural or cultural heritage, and were presented by former ABC newsreader Richard Morecroft.

The Building Bridges Emu Projections was joint winner alongside Orange Regional Museum’s entry Mulaa Giilang: Wiradjuri stories of the night sky in the Events, Exhibitions and Tours category comprising eight finalists.

The projection was part of councils Building Bridges project, which was funded by the NSW government’s Stronger Communities Fund.