A new welcome plaque featuring artwork by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Allan Mansell, and words acknowledging the unceded lands of the Mumirimina People of the Oyster Bay Nation, has been unveiled at the entrance to the Clarence City Council chambers.
The plaque was unveiled today/last month during National Reconciliation Week and features a sandstone bench alongside the plaque, serving as a contemporary welcome point for all visitors to the Bligh Street building.
Importantly the installation provides a place for recognition and contemplation, inviting visitors to sit and interact with the sculpture, amongst the native grasses and ground covers.
Details of Allan Mansell’s artwork The Cave – which also features in council’s award-winning takara limuna trail at Bedlam Walls/Geilston Bay – are engraved onto the sandstone bench seat and panel.
At the launch of the new plaque, Clarence City Council Mayor, Brendan Blomeley, said he was pleased to see more recognition of First Nations people’s stories woven
throughout our city.
“We are pleased to have again showcased Allan’s artwork, this time at Council chambers, as it depicts an important story,” said Mayor Blomeley.
“It highlights the cultural significance of the Bedlam Walls site, and how First Nations Peoples lived. It is important these stories are shared with our community so that we can evolve and learn together.
“takara limuna, along with recent installations in Richmond, and now the welcome plaque outside chambers are examples of council’s commitment to acknowledge the past atrocities and injustices committed against Australia’s First Nation people, and to no longer shy away from the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it makes us.”
The words featured on the plaque were developed by council’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, with guidance from members of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community and endorsed by the Clarence City Council. Read more about our Reconciliation Action Plan.
“While we mark the installation of our new Welcome plaque, we recognise that National Reconciliation Week is about reflecting on the work yet to be done,” said Mayor Blomeley.
“We are committed to listening to, learning from, and recognising our First People of Lutruwita.”
