Meriba Gidhal: Torres Strait Island Treasures of the Margaret Lawrie Collection Exhibition was officially opened by Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AO, Governor of Queensland, on the evening of 21st October, 2009 at the John Oxley Library.

Lillian Noah (IKC staff), Elizabeth Fa’Aoso (curator), Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AO and Segar Passi (Murray Island artist)

This exhibition is part of the Q150 and John Oxley Library 75th anniversary celebrations. It creates an insight into Torres Strait Islander culture, with stories depicted in art form and photography.  These images express the spiritual connection of Torres Strait Islanders with their ‘mother land’.

The stories describe the physical and geographical formation of the land and sea, flora and fauna, the sky and the natural elements.  They reaffirm the creation and existence of the Torres Strait and its people.  On the night there was an atmosphere of great pride, excitement, energy and appreciation.  The event was attended by Torres Strait Islander Elders, Torres Strait community members, Brisbane Traditional Owners, family of the late Mrs Margaret Lawrie, regional Indigenous Knowledge Centre Coordinators and dignitaries.

  Members of the Lawrie family

Governor Ms Penelope Wensley, Indigenous Knowledge Centre Administrators and Cairns State Library staff

Mr Segar Passi of Murray Island, the last surviving artist who worked with the late Margaret Lawrie, and whose work features in the exhibition, attended with his two daughters and grandchildren.

  Segar Passi with his grandchildren

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