Life through a lens
Aboriginal exhibition revisited
NEARLY 30 years ago, an aspiring Gold Coast anthropologist was asked to collect a photographic series on local Aboriginal life.
The candid photos, originally compiled by Michael Aird for the Royal Pines Resort in 1990, show Aboriginal families and their daily lives throughout the past 150 years since the 1860s.
And tonight, the revisited and updated collection will be on show to the public for the first time in a number of years.
The rare collection of 97 photos was shown for more than two decades at the Royal Pines Resort before being placed into storage.
Lovingly curated by Mr Aird as one of his first projects 28 years ago, the nowexperienced anthropologist says it was his first break into the industry.
“For me, it was a wonderful thing, it was really more the first break I had as a professional in this area,” Mr Aird said. “It enthused me and nearly 30 years later I’m still doing it.”
He said a lot of research had gone into piecing the collection together from museums, libraries and private collections.
Unfortunately, only 73 photos of the series were found after they were taken out of storage, with the remaining 24 unaccounted for.
But that didn’t stop Nerang Community Association heritage committee chair Lynn Ogden from insisting that the collection come to the area in a local exhibition.
“It shows the Aboriginal journey from early white settlement here in the area through to more modern times,” she said. “It shows Aboriginal people in their homes, playing sport, working, with their families. It’s quite touching.
“The tenderness of the families is really something, especially in the time of reconciliation, it’s just so important.”
Ms Ogden, along with the other committee members, managed to secure the photos after requesting them of the resort’s current owners.
The exhibition will open tonight at the Preece House at Bischof Pioneer Park in Nerang and will remain open for an extended period.
Mr Aird, who is also the director of University of Queensland’s anthropological museum, will be at the opening.
Doors open 6pm tonight.