Artists to revitalise Mount Isa skate park

Mount Isa City Council has commissioned a group of local Indigenous artists to revitalise this much-used space with a public mural.

In a special presentation on Friday, Mayor Joyce McCulloch recognised the importance of cultural acknowledgment towards reconciliation for all Australians.

“Today is an ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation conversation and reflect on our shared histories, contributions, and achievements,” Cr McCulloch said.

“Mount Isa City Council’s vision for reconciliation is to create an inclusive community with strong relationships across cultures based on mutual respect and understanding.”

Cr McCulloch acknowledged the two important historical dates book-ending Reconciliation Week, and paid her respects to the traditional owners of Mount Isa, the Kalkadoon people.

Virginia Mayo performed Welcome to Country, and Ronaldo Gavara performed a smoking ceremony with didgeridoo.

The grandstand will be repainted in a neutral colour before each pillar is adorned with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork by local artists Sheree Blackley, Chris Doyle, and Ronaldo Gavara.

Artist Sheree Blackley spoke on the artistic concept for the collaborative mural.

“We envisage the message of this mural being one of sharing our diversity and history within the community,” Ms Blackley said.

“We aim to use the colours of the rainbow to represent a new and positive beginning, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander totemic animals to represent us, and place names to represent the origins of the multitudes of people that make up Mount Isa.”

“We see Reconciliation Week as an opportunity to continue to build on the good work that has been done in bringing our society together, and we are proud to play a part in continuing this work.”

The art project is expected to be completed over seven days.

Friday’s presentation was attended by community members and students from the Flexi Learning Centre.