Once again, the River of Learning Art Show produced by Maclean High School and curated by Liza Hamilton is opening at The Old Kirk Yamba Museum and runs from Wednesday May 29 to Thursday June 6.

This art show has been running for several years; it is another way we can connect positively with primary schools in the transition of Year 6 students to secondary education in 2025. The Art Show is a project that runs during Reconciliation Week as a way of inviting the community to view art works on the very spot where many of Yaegl Elders and their families lived as children.

This year we have asked the students to depict the National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More than Ever. A reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must continue.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; May 27 to June 3. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Forty-eight entries from participating schools – Maclean Public, Chatsworth Island, Cowper, Gulmarrad, Iluka, Baryugil and Palmers Island. The winners were chosen by Kristal Randall and prizes of Amazon gift vouchers go to every school and one for the overall winner.

This exhibition will be in Old Kirk for viewing from May 28 – June 6 during Museum hours 10am – 2pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Entry $5 adults over 15.

Maclean High School Aboriginal Education Team hope you enjoy the artworks.

Gai Pritchett