Place Markers tell ancient dreamtime stories on Minjerribah

Quandamooka artist Josh Walker designed the sculpture at Dunwich which depicts a carpet snake and her eggs, representing connection to Country.

“Our totem ancestor is the carpet snake python,” he said.

“The carpet snake mother came from out west and she carved out the Brisbane River and then she journeyed east and landed over here on Stradbroke Island.

“She laid her eggs, as is depicted in the sculpture.

“That’s what legitimises our right to be on this land because it’s the connection to Country through the totem ancestor.”

Josh has learned his art over many years, starting with tribal art as part of his initiation ceremony process.

“The different stories are a way for us to share the Quandamooka stories and give visitors more of an insight into our culture,” he said.

The other Place Markers are situated at Amity Point, with an artwork by Belinda Close featuring an eagle soaring high above a pod of dolphins, and at Point Lookout, where there are three large eugarie shells that represent a place of gathering, created by well-known artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) Chief of Operations Nyaree Mewett said the Place Markers are a part of the Queensland Government’s Minjerribah Futures program, designed to create new sustainable industries and employment opportunities after the end of sand mining in 2019.

“Everyone loves the pieces, everyone takes photos and comments on them,” she said.

“It was fantastic to see three local Traditional Owner artists design what they wanted to design.

“We’re hoping in the future that we’ll be able to expand that over to the mainland and be able to link it all up in a massive art trail and linking it back to QUAMPI” (The Quandamooka Arts and Culture Centre).

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