TasPorts Community Grant Program Supports First Nations’ Maritime Heritage
TasPorts proudly supports the Bass Strait Maritime Centre (BSMC) through its Community Grant Program.
Posted
13 September 2024
TasPorts have provided funding for the Centre’s new permanent exhibition, Our First Mariners – Sea Country People which highlights Tasmania’s First Nations’ maritime heritage. This initiative emphasises the significance of Indigenous maritime history and reflects TasPorts’ commitment to preserving and promoting Tasmania’s diverse cultural legacy.
A key feature of this important exhibition is a model ningher, or paper bark canoe, crafted by renowned Aboriginal Elder Rex Greeno. Widely recognised as the finest Tasmanian Aboriginal canoe maker working today, Greeno’s contribution honours the maritime traditions of the palawa and pakana peoples and offers visitors a unique insight into Tasmania’s Indigenous seafaring culture.
Joanna Gair, Museum Coordinator of the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, stressed the value of this new exhibition, stating:
"With the invaluable support of our sponsors and collaboration with local Aboriginal elders, the Museum is now able to present more comprehensive maritime histories and offer enriched, object-based learning experiences for our visitors and school groups."
In addition to Greeno’s canoe, the exhibition will feature two ceremonial shell necklaces by National Cultural Icon Aunty Lola Greeno and a short film based on the family history of Dave mangenner Gough, a respected First Nations cultural practitioner from Devonport. These elements are presented in a contemporary setting within a newly designed exhibition space.
The Bass Strait Maritime Centre, which attracts 8,000+ visitors annually, including community organisations, school groups, and tourists, officially opened this exhibition on Thursday, 12th September. It will remain an ongoing feature at the Centre.
TasPorts’ support for this project underscores its commitment to preserving Tasmania’s maritime and Indigenous heritage for future generations. The TasPorts Community Grant Program continues to play a crucial role in fostering projects that expand and protect the State’s cultural and historical identity.
Our First Mariners – Sea County People will open to the public from Friday, 13th September. The Bass Strait Maritime Centre operates seven days a week, from 10 AM to 3 PM, located at 6 Gloucester Avenue, Devonport.
Applications for the next round of the TasPorts Community Grant Program have closed, with successful applicants to be announced soon. For more information on TasPorts’ community engagement and partnerships, visit TasPorts Community Engagement and Partnerships.