Savannah Art Trail

Explore the Gulf Savannah region, stretching from the Atherton Tablelands to the Northern Territory border, encompassing towns like Georgetown, Croydon, Karumba, Normanton, Burketown, and Doomadgee. Classified as 'very remote,' these towns boast unique identities tied to beef cattle production, fishing, and burgeoning tourism.

In 2019, Arts Queensland and the Regional Arts Services Network initiated a project to create large-scale artworks, telling regional stories through collaborative efforts. CQUniversity, in 2021, took the lead in managing the Art Trail project. Community workshops over three years shaped narratives, engaging local artists, including First Nations artists like Siyesha Douglas, Krystal Spencer, and Kelly Barclay and the lead artists on the project, Manning Daly Art.

Croydon's Cultural Connection: The Returning Boomerang

“Bold arcing forms enriched by strong narratives that speak of the historical, cultural and social context of croydon create a dynamic sense of place that connects community.” Manning Daly Art

The community's narrative reflects Tagalaka lands as a timeless meeting place, symbolised by the cyclical departure and return depicted in the Returning Boomerang sculpture. This iconic artwork serves as a beacon, recognising the diverse contributions of First Nations People, Chinese and South-East Asian migrants, and women to Croydon's past, present, and future.

Traditional wildlife and cultural values are depicted in the design, reflecting the abundance of resources in the region and the strong community values instilled in Croydon residents. Symbols throughout the artwork represent the Tagalaka people's connection to the land and their hope to preserve traditional dances and songs.

Siyesha Douglas's design draws inspiration from the Waratah Dreaming story and local wildlife, highlighting the ongoing importance of these traditions. Krystal Spencer's designs are influenced by her grandmother's fishing experiences, capturing the essence of local life and the resourcefulness of Croydon residents.

“When she was little and used to go fishing with her parents or friends, they would go to the Belmore and fish for Perch and to catch the perch, they would use cotton threads as fishing line, double it up and twist it to make it strong. For the hook they used the common pin, bent it in the shape of a hook and tied the thread at the top of the pin. When they got the chance to go out further, they would go fishing for turtle and if the swamp was dry they would look for bumps in the dry mud and that's how they knew that there was a turtle under it. And as for the Goanna they would find it in a hole or in a tree somewhere and they would try to knock it down with something and chase it.”

Krystal Spencer