"River of Life"

Kempsey Shire Council

This photo shows the flags flying from the footbridge bridge over the Macleay River at Stuarts Point. The bridge is popular with locals and tourists as a fishing or look out place. The bridge is used to access the beach and ocean. The flags were made form donated and new fabric were painted, dyed, embelished using applique techniques and hand stitching.Makers used local symbols like birds, waves, fish, flowers the sun and figures to decorate their flags that reflected a deep connection to place. Artists encourage psrtoicipants to find their own symbols that represent their connection to the area. After erecting the flags people lingered on the bridge to enjoy the atmosphere created by the flags and to talk with each other. As the river is tidal, sand banks form allowing safe access to the river for all ages.This is the third footbridge bridge in this place.

The “River of Life” project celebrated the new footbridge over the Macleay River at Stuarts Point by making flags to fly from the bridge.

Three artists were employed to hold four workshops in the Stuarts Point hall. Over 30 people attended each session making 45 flags both for the community and personal.

Children with parents, Aboriginal residents, people with disabilities, older residents plus young people attended.

The hall became a hive of activity fabric spread on the floor, painting and dyeing underway, sewing machines running

Finally flags were put onto bamboo poles and a procession from the hall to the bridge accompanied by drummers.

More music accompanied the raising of the flags until the bridge was full of colour. Only one flag fell into the water to be rescued using a canoe.

Afterwards shared lunch, welcome to country and Aboriginal dance. People socialised the flags came down in the afternoon.

  • Cultural Officer

    Barbara Huntington ()

  • Award Category

    Programs Projects and Partnerships – Division B

Photos

    • This photo shows the flags flying from the footbridge bridge over the Macleay River at Stuarts Point. The bridge is popular with locals and tourists as a fishing or look out place. The bridge is used to access the beach and ocean. The flags were made form donated and new fabric were painted, dyed, embelished using applique techniques and hand stitching.Makers used local symbols like birds, waves, fish, flowers the sun and figures to decorate their flags that reflected a deep connection to place. Artists encourage psrtoicipants to find their own symbols that represent their connection to the area. After erecting the flags people lingered on the bridge to enjoy the atmosphere created by the flags and to talk with each other. As the river is tidal, sand banks form allowing safe access to the river for all ages.This is the third footbridge bridge in this place.

      This photo shows the flags flying from the footbridge bridge over the Macleay River at Stuarts Point. The bridge is popular with locals and tourists as…

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