November 18, 2012
The Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group – operators of the Ration Shed Museum – were presented with a 2012 Gallery and Museum Achievement Award at a gala event in Caboolture on Saturday.
Arts Minister Ros Bates presented the award winners with a specially commissioned trophy created by Queensland artist Donna Marcus.
The Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group was recognised for its outstanding achievement in the category of “Organisations: Staff of Under 5” for its “Strong Women Shadow Boxes” project.
This project engaged 19 Indigenous women elders and young women from Cherbourg in diverse story-sharing processes that remembered women in their lives who had given them strength and encouragement.
It was facilitated by Carol Low and Katina Leedie and brought generations together in yarning circles.
The women then created a memory box with photos, objects and archival material that told their personal stories.
Guided and supported by a collaborative team, the process was a deeply emotional one for participants as they recalled times of loss and hardship as well as those of hope and encouragement.
The workshops concluded with a ceremony to plant a bunya tree as a symbol of hope and strength for all women around the world.
The 19 shadow boxes, accompanied by the participants’ photos and words describing their story, were displayed in an exhibition curated by Carol Low and designed by Peter Trail at the Ration Shed Museum. An eight-minute film produced by Robyn Hofmeyr documented the journeys of the workshop participants.
In declaring Cherbourg Historical Group as the winner, the judges recognised the project as an inspirational model for other communities.
They said it engendered a strong commitment by the participants and clear ownership by the organisation and the community, resulting in a powerful and engaging exhibition of stories and objects that provided connection and meaning between the generations, and opportunities for trust, sharing and healing.
Presented by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland, the Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards are an annual event designed to celebrate the outstanding achievements, professional excellence and innovation of Queensland’s museums and galleries.
The Awards recognise the valuable contribution our State’s museums and galleries make to enriching their local and wider communities, and honour the and talents of paid professionals and volunteers working in the industry.
- For more information on the Strong Women Shadow Boxes project, see the Museum and Gallery Services website
