Australian first Indigenous astronomy exhibition opening today

An Australian-first Indigenous astronomy exhibition will be a legacy of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said ‘Skylore: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Astronomy’ would be a permanent installation at Mt Coot-tha’s Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium from today.

“For the first time in history an Australian planetarium will feature an Indigenous astronomy exhibition,” Ms Jones said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders have shared their knowledge of the stars in the creation of this unique exhibition – a display of the rich heritage, traditions and culture of these communities.

“Our Reconciliation Action Plan supports cultural integration at events across the Commonwealth Games and is creating lasting cultural programs and initiatives across Queensland.

“Skylore is a permanent reminder of the legacy from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Reconciliation Action Plan and its vision towards a reconciled Australia.”

The exhibit was sourced and curated by Monash University astronomer Dr Duane Hamacher in close consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities from Brisbane, Katherine in the Northern Territory, Murray Island in the Torres Strait and Goodooga in New South Wales.

“I’ve been working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for years – listening to their stories, songs, and dance,” Dr Hamacher said.

“The First Australians have been observing the southern skies for more than 65,000 years, paying careful attention to subtle changes in the positions and properties of the sun, moon and stars.

“These are the oldest known continuing cultures in the world and the world’s oldest astronomers. We have so much to learn about astronomy from Indigenous people. These traditions are not just myths and legends – they contain a tremendous wealth of science,” he said.

The exhibition has been funded by the Palaszczuk Government and delivered by Brisbane City Council.

Brisbane City Council Chairman for Lifestyle and Community Services Cr Matthew Bourke said the Planetarium was an iconic destination for people visiting Brisbane and the exhibition would be another exciting addition to its program.

“The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium has been one of Council’s most popular events venues for 40 years and we’re thrilled to have the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Astronomy exhibition join its world-class events offering,” Cr Bourke said.

Also as part of Festival 2018, the arts and cultural program for GC2018 the Planetarium’s Cosmic Skydome will feature a Stories in the Stars show.

This show tells the story of teenagers Erica and Daniel, two Aboriginal city-slickers who travel home to Country and hear stories about the constellations and how they relate to their culture.

General entry to the Planetarium and Skylore exhibition is free.

Entry to the Skydome Show Stories in the Stars during Festival 2018 (3-15 April) is free, however bookings are required on www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who contributed to the ‘Skylore: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Astronomy’ exhibition are:

• Bill Yidumduma Harney, Wardaman Elder, Katherine, NT
• Eddie Ruska, Yuggera Elder, Brisbane.
• Alo Tapim, Meriam Elder, Murray Island, Torres Strait
• Ghillar Michael Anderson, Euahlayi Law Man, Goodooga, NSW
• Maroochy Baramba, Turrbal Songwoman, Brisbane.

Media contact: Kerrie Kahlon 3719 7538