Historic panels reflect community history / FOR USE (copy 3)



Historic panels reflect Mossman's heritage

Tuesday April 2 2014

A touch of Mossman history has been added to Woolworths' new multi-million dollar supermarket.

The Douglas Shire Historical Society today unveiled a series of historic panels reflecting the town's rich heritage, located on the eastern side of the store, facing Front Street.

The panels pay tribute to Indigenous life pre-settlement, the legendary cedar cutters of the late 1800s, the town's enduring sugar industry, hertiage listed and important buildings and the world-renowned Mossman Gorge.  

Douglas Shire Historical Society approached Woolworths about the panels last year. 

The supermarket chain agreed to meet all production costs for the panels which are made from perforated steel.

Artists from Douglas Arts Base and Yalanji Arts volunteered their time to help create the project.

Kirsty Burchill contributed to the panel depicting Kuku Yalanji life.  

Ms Burchill said collaborating with other non-Indigenous artists was a rewarding experience. 

"We got to know the artists in town that weren't Indigenous and they became really good friends to us and were really nice," she said.

Woolworths Development Manager, Graeme Jones commended the artists for their work. 

"We think it's a fantastic piece of art which depicts the iconic images of Mossman," he said.

"Woolworths is very pleased to provide the artwork to the community. 

"All the artists went through several design proofs and they did a great job."

Replicas of the panels are placed inside the store entrance and include a short history and credit the artists. 

The artists who contributed to the panels were Vanessa Cannon, Lenice Schonenberger, Sheryl Burchill, Jennifer Burchill, Inger Rowe, Deidre Whiteley, Robyn Kendall, Billie Noli Jeanette Yarr, Pat Lane, Ellen Terrell and Carol Edelberg.