A rich, cultural, historical exhibition is opening this week, from Tuesday 20 August 2013, which explores the Australian South Sea Islander contribution to Gold Coast City’s development, as well as neighbouring areas of Logan and Tweed Heads.
On display at the City of Gold Coast Administration Centre Foyer in Bundall, the exhibition tells the tale of Gold Coast City’s past, once known as Sugaropolis, where the nation’s sugar industry began at the hands of indentured South Sea Islanders.
Between 1863 and 1904, Queensland recruited over 50,000 South Sea Islanders to work cotton and sugar plantations under harsh conditions and facing exclusion and disadvantage.
Through this exhibition, the story of the hard working, adaptable South Sea Island people and their descendants will be told, from the 1860’s through to modern day.
Forming part of the Australian South Sea Islander 150 SEQ commemorations, which mark 150 years since the first arrival of indentured South Sea Islanders to the South East Queensland region, the exhibition recognises and raises awareness of the unjust treatment endured by these people, as well honouring their hard working contribution to the success of Gold Coast City.
Take a rich historical journey and be part of the initiative which aims to improve cohesion and connection in the community for Australian South Sea Islander people.
For more information about the exhibition, visit Journeys to Sugaropolis
For more information about the Australian South Sea Islander 150 SEQ commemorations, visit Australian South Sea Islanders 150 Years
