People should be aware that this slideshow contains names and images of deceased people.
Historical photographs from Mission Beach, 1890s – 1950s.
A Collaboration between the Mission Beach Historical Society and the Djiru Warrangburra Aboriginal Corporation.
Coinciding with the anniversary of the 1918 cyclone, a series of historic photographs (portraits, landscapes, social events and work life scenes), a slide show of photos, videos, Djiru cultural objects, history boards and series of drawings about the Hull River Aboriginal Settlement provided an insight in the diverse early history of Mission Beach.
The display offered a snapshot of an intriguing, beautiful, dynamic frontier region and its people, making the history of Far North Queensland accessible for current and future generations. Through the themes of community, sea and land, the photographs and Djiru cultural objects have been used as points of focus to examine all aspects of Mission Beach history.
Recollections from Djiru people, the first pioneers and later settlers, farmers, attendees at gatherings and war time events allowed all visitors to reflect on the past, preserve and enhance important memories and events, and foster and celebrate a sense of identity, diversity and cultural connections between Djiru and the wider community.
Following the displacement of many Djiru in 1918 to Palm Island, Djiru were not welcome to come back to Mission Beach until recently. It seems like a whole page of history has been blanketed or obliterated through massacres, abuse and discrimination. Djiru desperately wanted to tell their side of history and share it with the wider community.
The aim of this exhibition is to tell stories that are relevant and significant to today’s multicultural society and to emphasise the history of the Djiru people with the aim of achieving reconciliation and healing of the past.
Enjoy the Mission Beach Historical Society slideshow created by Meryl Harding.
With thanks to the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) - Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Art Print Frame Gallery, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Shane Knuth MP for their support.'
