Thursday, 11 August 2022
Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.
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Powerful video wins national multimedia prize A “powerful and emotive” video from Erub artist Jimmy John Thaiday has won the Telstra NATSIAA (National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award) for Multimedia for his work Beyond the lines 2022. NATSIAA is the longest running – and acclaimed – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art awards in the country. “This powerful and emotive work explores the interconnection between the artist to his Country as exemplified by sea, land, sky and wildlife, in the form of the waumer, the frigate bird,” the judges said. “This meditation on the interconnectedness of life, land and sea examines relationships and correlations
between naturally occurring patterns, formations, and movements.
“Beyond the lines is technically accomplished and masterful. “Its refined visual rhythm is carefully paced and combines a compelling use of wide lens with close-up footage. “Its thoughtful use of sound is also noteworthy.” Erub Arts Centre, who supported Jimmy and his entry, said they were excited. Jimmy was one of 63 finalists were selected from 221 entries nationwide. He was one of only five Queensland finalaists, and the only one to win, as well as being the only Torres Strait Islander award winner.
CELEBRATING: Jimmy John Thaiday & partner Sarah Dawn Gela. Pic Lynnette Griffiths, Erub Arts.
Myiesha aims to change young lives for better Myiesha Yoelu (pictured), 24, is one of 20 young Queenslanders chosen to lead the charge in modernising the way government listens, engages and delivers for the state’s youngest cohort as a member of a new Youth Strategy Engagement Group last week. Youth Affairs Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the 20 Queenslanders included representatives from regional and remote communities,
young people who identified as First Nations Peoples, members of LGBTIQA+ communities, and people living with disability. “More than 120 nominations were submitted, and I want to thank every applicant for showing an interest in shaping this state’s future,” Minister Scanlon said. Myiesha, a Gudang Yadhaykenu and Saibai Island woman, said she was passionate about changing the
lives of young people. “I wanted to be a part of the engagement group so I would be amongst other aspiring youth leaders and to
engage with the government in a way that they are able to hear about grass roots issues addressed by grass roots youth,” Myiesha said. “It is important for the government to engage with, and listen to, young people because we are the ones that live day-to-day with the impacts from the decisions made by our government.” Minister Scanlon said young people had a lot to contribute. “But if government isn’t
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keeping up with how they want to be engaged and the platforms they’re on, then how can we make sure their voices are heard,” she said. “The Palaszczuk Government has invested in free TAFE for under-25s, another $320 million for the popular Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, action on climate change and school upgrades across Queensland. “We want to build on this.”
The Youth Strategy Engagement Group will inform the themes and priorities of a draft strategy, as well as a consultation plan for young people, by seeking feedback from their networks and peers. All young people, other members of the community and organisations will have the opportunity to provide feedback through the public consultation process scheduled for later in the year.