PICTURED: Rod Graham, left, Sonia Louis, Ruth McFadzean and David Munday shared their King Island artefacts and stories.
KING ISLAND GALLERY
launched its exhibition Locals Talk, which showcases local history and culture. Last Thursday’s balmy Summer evening attracted a strong crowd and included a group of visitors from Victoria, who said after the launch that they felt like they had experienced a small taste of King Island.
The launch highlight was the three guest speakers, who delivered their thoughts on the question: ‘what item or artefact do you have that you feel captures a part of life on King Island?’, with each offering a distinct response.
David Munday kicked things off with his reflection on how training and culture at King Island Scheelite helped make him the person he is today. David displayed two small samples of scheelite and recounted how the former King Island Scheelite invested and supported, not just workers but, the entire township of Grassy and in the process created a community that delivered a pay check as well as plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
Taylor Stevens, left, Narelle Blackie and Katie Griffiths enjoy local talk and a cocktail
Follwing David was Ruth McFadzean, who began her talk by showing a small kelp vessel that held a small paper scroll. The scroll contained some wording relating to the first Festival of King Island held in 1994.
Ruth recounted the motivation behind this festival, and how she saw it as emblematic of people in the community getting organised to support one another.
Sonia Louis presented her original school case, complete with pencils and books. Sonia told a tale revolving around the school bus trips that she would take as a child.
As anyone who knows Sonia will expect, it was a humorous tale, but it also told of the raw excitement of local school kids when they met new arrivals to the island who were also using the bus. Rod Graham was an impromptu fourth speaker.
He presented the magnificent 1932 King Island Racing Cup trophy won by his father, two hickory golf clubs, also from his father, and a porcelain plate from his mother that depicted the gates and driveway to the family property.
Many thanks to King Island Distillery’s Heidi, who served fancy cocktails, and also to the small team of volunteers who prepared, curated and loaned items for the exhibition.
