Schools respond well to Myall Creek Writing and Art Comp

June 18, 2009

Local schools have provided an overwhelming response to the annual Myall Creek, writing and art competition. The competition which was open to all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 in the New England area is held each year to coincide with the anniversary of the infamous 1838 massacre at Myall Creek.

The theme of the competition which was this year judged by Bingara Central School, is Our Shared History which marks the co-operative effort between local indigenous and non indigenous communities to build a Memorial on the site which opened in June 2000.

The prizes for the winners were presented as part of the memorial service which was held at the Myall Creek on Saturday 6th June. The service which remembers those who died in the massacre featured singer – songwriter, Kev Carmody as guest speaker. From the wealth of his varied life Kev has been able to address contemporary issues facing Aboriginal people through his music.

After the service a meeting was held to discuss the future development of the site. Last Year, Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, placed the site on the National Heritage Register and plans are underway to build an Education and Cultural Centre.

It is intended that the development will be of national significance and not just provide educational benefits to all who visit but also assist in promoting tourism in the area. Architectural drawings for the centre were displayed at the meeting.