latest media
MASTER PLAN REVEALED IN NEW VIDEO & REPORT
4 Dec 2018
MEDIA RELEASE
Community consultation on a major new Moama based project is currently underway.
The Bridge Art Project precinct, combined with a redesign of Meninya St, is the focus of an extensive consultation process which has just commenced, with the aim of producing a master plan for implementation following the completion of the new Echuca Moama Bridge.
The planning process will initially focus on Meninya St and surrounds and is being overseen by consultants Terroir Pty Ltd, the Bridge Art Project Committee and Murray River Council.
“The new bridge will change the nature of traffic through Meninya St, reducing the heavy transport component, and providing us with an ideal opportunity to re-imagine the street as a user friendly space for visitors and locals alike,” said Murray River Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, John Harvie.
Consultation sessions were held this week with local businesses, residents, Yorta Yorta Nation, members of the arts community and Council staff from both sides of the river, where a wide range of ideas and opportunities were canvassed.
“This is a one-off chance to create something special,” said local businessman and resident, John Kenley. “It’s critical that we take the time to get it right.”
Terroir Pty Ltd co-leader Sally Hirst said this is a game changing project for the community.
“This project offers a lot of potential for the local area and the region and we are excited to be part of it,” she said
The precinct for the Bridge Art Project comprises 8 hectares of land adjacent to the new bridge, extending from Boundary Rd at the northern end through a kilometre of bushland to the banks of the river.
The planning comprises 5 stages, with the first being an urban analysis of Moama and a business and economic analysis of Meninya Street.
The final phase, which will see the finalisation of the masterplan, is due for completion in April next year.
Further community consultation will take place as the project continues.
The Bridge Art Project is the brainchild of local Barry Donchi who is pleased with the progress made so far.
“After six years of work by our committee, it’s wonderful to see this master plan underway, and to see the project being talked about,” Mr Donchi said.
Funding for the master plan was provided through a grant from the Building Better Regions Fund, which was matched by grants from Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire, Yorta Yorta Nation, VicRoads (Major Road Projects) and the Moama Bowling Club.
Interested community members can now also provide input into the project via a community survey which can be accessed on Murray River Council’s website.
The survey will close on 7 December 2018.
-ends-
Further information:
Chris Bilkey
Chair, Bridge Arts Project
0401 032 304
MEDIA RELEASE
Community consultation on a major new Moama based project is currently underway.
The Bridge Art Project precinct, combined with a redesign of Meninya St, is the focus of an extensive consultation process which has just commenced, with the aim of producing a master plan for implementation following the completion of the new Echuca Moama Bridge.
The planning process will initially focus on Meninya St and surrounds and is being overseen by consultants Terroir Pty Ltd, the Bridge Art Project Committee and Murray River Council.
“The new bridge will change the nature of traffic through Meninya St, reducing the heavy transport component, and providing us with an ideal opportunity to re-imagine the street as a user friendly space for visitors and locals alike,” said Murray River Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, John Harvie.
Consultation sessions were held this week with local businesses, residents, Yorta Yorta Nation, members of the arts community and Council staff from both sides of the river, where a wide range of ideas and opportunities were canvassed.
“This is a one-off chance to create something special,” said local businessman and resident, John Kenley. “It’s critical that we take the time to get it right.”
Terroir Pty Ltd co-leader Sally Hirst said this is a game changing project for the community.
“This project offers a lot of potential for the local area and the region and we are excited to be part of it,” she said
The precinct for the Bridge Art Project comprises 8 hectares of land adjacent to the new bridge, extending from Boundary Rd at the northern end through a kilometre of bushland to the banks of the river.
The planning comprises 5 stages, with the first being an urban analysis of Moama and a business and economic analysis of Meninya Street.
The final phase, which will see the finalisation of the masterplan, is due for completion in April next year.
Further community consultation will take place as the project continues.
The Bridge Art Project is the brainchild of local Barry Donchi who is pleased with the progress made so far.
“After six years of work by our committee, it’s wonderful to see this master plan underway, and to see the project being talked about,” Mr Donchi said.
Funding for the master plan was provided through a grant from the Building Better Regions Fund, which was matched by grants from Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire, Yorta Yorta Nation, VicRoads (Major Road Projects) and the Moama Bowling Club.
Interested community members can now also provide input into the project via a community survey which can be accessed on Murray River Council’s website.
The survey will close on 7 December 2018.
-ends-
Further information:
Chris Bilkey
Chair, Bridge Arts Project
0401 032 304
IT'S A GREEN LIGHT
5 JULY 2018 RIVERINE HERALD NEWSPAPER
Ley hands over $50,000 for arts precinct at new bridgeby CHARMAYNE ALLISON
Moama to Echuca Bridge Arts Project chairman Cr Chris Bilkey, secretary Lynne Gillard and deputy chairman Barry Donchi.
AN AMBITIOUS plan to develop a Moama-based visual art precinct has been set in motion thanks to a $50,000 Federal government grant announced by Member for Farrer Sussan Ley yesterday.
The funds will spur the development of a master plan for the proposed Bridge Arts Project, which seeks to establish a visual art precinct aimed at inspiring deeper understanding of the local and regional Indigenous culture and history.
The plan will also include blueprints for an arts and heritage loop of walking and cycling paths throughout Echuca-Moama.
‘‘This 5-6km loop will stretch from the arts precinct to Meninya St, across the old bridge, through the Port of Echuca, across the new bridge and back,’’ project chairman Cr Chris Bilkey said.
‘‘The circuit will add just one more reason for tourists to spend an extra night or two in Echuca-Moama and will increase our status as a major regional attraction.’’
The proposed precinct will be a key feature of the loop, with a visitor centre, indigenous culture centre and gallery in the plans.
Cr Bilkey said its primary purpose was to provide a record of Australian history, informing a deeper understanding of indigenous culture and history and reflecting on the influence and experience of pre- and post-colonial Australia.
‘‘Since we first kicked off in 2011, we have been working closely with indigenous partners in planning. It’s no good us posing our view of what indigenous history or art is,’’ Cr Bilkey said. ‘‘But it won’t just be indigenous-focused art. There will also be a representation of the post-colonial presence.’’
Deputy chairman of the project Barry Donchi has been vital in seeing the project step into high gear, donating more than 25 acres of land for the arts precinct.‘‘I don’t actually need it, I have plenty of land,’’ Mr Donchi said.
‘‘And it’s all for a worthy cause. This project is for all the right reasons: for the understanding of Indigenous culture, for education, for tourism, for employment and for art itself.’’
And, according to the committee, this is just the beginning.
‘‘We’d like to see the precinct eventually extend into an education centre and form partnerships with educational institutions and universities, as well as galleries and museums,’’ Cr Bilkey said.
But for now, they’ll focus on the master plan and business model, to be completed by the end of the year.
‘‘Then we’ll have something to sell to potential investors,’’ Cr Bilkey said.
‘‘The objective is to create something that becomes the community’s pride and joy. But it will be an ongoing project, it won’t be finished in five years.’’
The grant, funded through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, was a one-for-one grant, with the committee raising $50,000 from various sources throughout the community.
These sources were Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire Council, VicRoads, Yorta Yorta Nation and Moama Bowling Club.
SOURCE:
https://www.sheppnews.com.au/@echuca-news/2018/07/04/139925/ley-hands-over-50000-for-arts-precinct-at-new-bridge
Moama to Echuca Bridge Arts Project chairman Cr Chris Bilkey, secretary Lynne Gillard and deputy chairman Barry Donchi.
AN AMBITIOUS plan to develop a Moama-based visual art precinct has been set in motion thanks to a $50,000 Federal government grant announced by Member for Farrer Sussan Ley yesterday.
The funds will spur the development of a master plan for the proposed Bridge Arts Project, which seeks to establish a visual art precinct aimed at inspiring deeper understanding of the local and regional Indigenous culture and history.
The plan will also include blueprints for an arts and heritage loop of walking and cycling paths throughout Echuca-Moama.
‘‘This 5-6km loop will stretch from the arts precinct to Meninya St, across the old bridge, through the Port of Echuca, across the new bridge and back,’’ project chairman Cr Chris Bilkey said.
‘‘The circuit will add just one more reason for tourists to spend an extra night or two in Echuca-Moama and will increase our status as a major regional attraction.’’
The proposed precinct will be a key feature of the loop, with a visitor centre, indigenous culture centre and gallery in the plans.
Cr Bilkey said its primary purpose was to provide a record of Australian history, informing a deeper understanding of indigenous culture and history and reflecting on the influence and experience of pre- and post-colonial Australia.
‘‘Since we first kicked off in 2011, we have been working closely with indigenous partners in planning. It’s no good us posing our view of what indigenous history or art is,’’ Cr Bilkey said. ‘‘But it won’t just be indigenous-focused art. There will also be a representation of the post-colonial presence.’’
Deputy chairman of the project Barry Donchi has been vital in seeing the project step into high gear, donating more than 25 acres of land for the arts precinct.‘‘I don’t actually need it, I have plenty of land,’’ Mr Donchi said.
‘‘And it’s all for a worthy cause. This project is for all the right reasons: for the understanding of Indigenous culture, for education, for tourism, for employment and for art itself.’’
And, according to the committee, this is just the beginning.
‘‘We’d like to see the precinct eventually extend into an education centre and form partnerships with educational institutions and universities, as well as galleries and museums,’’ Cr Bilkey said.
But for now, they’ll focus on the master plan and business model, to be completed by the end of the year.
‘‘Then we’ll have something to sell to potential investors,’’ Cr Bilkey said.
‘‘The objective is to create something that becomes the community’s pride and joy. But it will be an ongoing project, it won’t be finished in five years.’’
The grant, funded through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, was a one-for-one grant, with the committee raising $50,000 from various sources throughout the community.
These sources were Murray River Council, Campaspe Shire Council, VicRoads, Yorta Yorta Nation and Moama Bowling Club.
SOURCE:
https://www.sheppnews.com.au/@echuca-news/2018/07/04/139925/ley-hands-over-50000-for-arts-precinct-at-new-bridge
Bridge forum crosses issues
By RIVERINE HERALD
OCTOBER 29, 2016
Those who attended The Bridge to the Future forum on Friday walked out confident Echuca-Moama will get its long overdue second crossing.
More than 100 people headed to the all-day event at Moama Bowling Club to get an insight into the project the twin towns have been waiting for more than 50 years.
Committee for Echuca Moama chief executive Martin Szakal said the day, delivered with the Bridge Arts Project, was important.
‘‘We had great support from across the community and this shows there is an appetite to keep things moving including how we might support endeavours to have an iconic bridge of national significance in design,’’ he said.
‘‘We had a lot of decision makers in the room, which will help the bridge development.
‘‘Once everything is approved ... the first sod will be turned this time next year. That was from a Federal funding announcement.’’
In June the Coalition promised $97 million, which was dependent on the Coalition being returned to government.
The NSW Government officially came to the table too, announcing $87 million, while the Victorian Government — which approved the environmental effects statement in March allowing the bridge to be built on the mid-west route, connecting the Murray Valley and Cobb highways — had already pledged $97 million.
‘‘We haven’t got the funding yet but everyone has committed,’’ Mr Szakal said.
In the meantime VicRoads has said it will open an office in Echuca to be home to a number of staff designated to the bridge project.
VicRoads director for northern region Mal Kersting said Friday’s event added value and another level of context to understanding the bridge development.
‘‘The symposium was a brilliant idea to encourage the community to participate in the process of learning about the bridge and what is to come,’’ Mr Kersting said.
Town planning expert James Whitten, who presented at the forum under the University of Melbourne, said it was great to help the community realise its vision: ‘‘Events like these make a difference in educating the community and then helps to identify ways to participate in the project further,’’ he said.
Bridge Arts Project chair Chris Bilkey said it was important to start focusing on the future.
‘‘Now that we have certainty about funding for the bridge we can focus on bridge design, its landing and the transformative impacts on our community,’’ he said.
As a result of the forum, C4EM and the Bridge Arts Project will be leading a delegation to Brisbane in March to better understand river-edge assets, indigenous and modern art areas and various bridges and commercial infrastructure.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Mal Kersting- Regional Director Northern Region- Vic Roads
As the key driver for this significant project, Mr. Kersting will offer project planning updates of the 2nd River Crossing including critical 'principles of design' and the design and construct elements and proposed time frames.
Stan Liacos- Director Loddon Mallee Region- Regional Development Victoria (RDV)
Working across large infrastructure projects, investment attraction, regional jobs and skills growth and industry development, Mr. Liacos will offer his unique insights into his vast experience with major projects, how to consider regional opportunity and how to consider current and future assets to increase prosperity for the region.
Glen Cappuano- Id- Australia's Population Experts
Working across the nation as local governments 'go-to' on all things population and demographics, IdProfile will be offering key insights into the impacts on population as researched in other regional areas including major bypass projects, regional population trends and how to keep a vibrant centre.
Phil Crouch, ANZ Head of Regional Banking VIC & TAS
Offering unique insights from past bridge funding projects whilst working in South East Asia and contemporary economic and business insights relating to regional economies and other other domestic infrastructure examples.
Trevor Budge- City of Greater Bendigo Strategy Manager, Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University’s Bendigo Campus, Board Member Victorian Planning Authority
As a highly regarded international speaker on rural and regional planning and running many outbound delegations and study tours on planning, unique insights into transitioning regional towns with evidence and examples from across the globe, this will make for a very engaging and educational session.
Rebecca Arnaud- Principal Urban Planner- Brisbane City Council
This is an incredible and unique opportunity to hear from one of the world's most successful cities regarding its engaging river front development strategies including enterprise precincts, community use and livability elements and city connectivity.
Chris Bilkey- The Bridge Arts Project- Project Insight
Learn about the exciting opportunity and plans to transform Moama's future under-bridge and new reserve area into a significant spaces through the adoption of arts precincts and planning opportunities.
Des Morgan Snr- Yorta Yorta Elder
Hear from a local elder about local opportunities regarding cultural asset development, planning and engagement opportunities and what the bridge means to the indigenous community.
James Whitten - Urban Designer, Architect and Graduate Researcher (University of Melbourne)
James will draw upon his professional and research experience in the United States, India, South America and Australia to explore how strategic infrastructure projects speak to different layers of the urban landscape. He will also discuss how the bridge project might be used to introduce the challenges and opportunities of regional practice to the next generation of planning and design professionals.
Taylor Tran- Author of 'Innovation Melbourne' & Director of CVP Strategy
His recently published book 'Innovation Melbourne' explores collaborative and co-working spaces across all sectors and many locations across Victoria. With deep corporate knowledge and a passion for driving innovation through fresh thinking, this will be a thought provoking presentation.
By RIVERINE HERALD
OCTOBER 29, 2016
Those who attended The Bridge to the Future forum on Friday walked out confident Echuca-Moama will get its long overdue second crossing.
More than 100 people headed to the all-day event at Moama Bowling Club to get an insight into the project the twin towns have been waiting for more than 50 years.
Committee for Echuca Moama chief executive Martin Szakal said the day, delivered with the Bridge Arts Project, was important.
‘‘We had great support from across the community and this shows there is an appetite to keep things moving including how we might support endeavours to have an iconic bridge of national significance in design,’’ he said.
‘‘We had a lot of decision makers in the room, which will help the bridge development.
‘‘Once everything is approved ... the first sod will be turned this time next year. That was from a Federal funding announcement.’’
In June the Coalition promised $97 million, which was dependent on the Coalition being returned to government.
The NSW Government officially came to the table too, announcing $87 million, while the Victorian Government — which approved the environmental effects statement in March allowing the bridge to be built on the mid-west route, connecting the Murray Valley and Cobb highways — had already pledged $97 million.
‘‘We haven’t got the funding yet but everyone has committed,’’ Mr Szakal said.
In the meantime VicRoads has said it will open an office in Echuca to be home to a number of staff designated to the bridge project.
VicRoads director for northern region Mal Kersting said Friday’s event added value and another level of context to understanding the bridge development.
‘‘The symposium was a brilliant idea to encourage the community to participate in the process of learning about the bridge and what is to come,’’ Mr Kersting said.
Town planning expert James Whitten, who presented at the forum under the University of Melbourne, said it was great to help the community realise its vision: ‘‘Events like these make a difference in educating the community and then helps to identify ways to participate in the project further,’’ he said.
Bridge Arts Project chair Chris Bilkey said it was important to start focusing on the future.
‘‘Now that we have certainty about funding for the bridge we can focus on bridge design, its landing and the transformative impacts on our community,’’ he said.
As a result of the forum, C4EM and the Bridge Arts Project will be leading a delegation to Brisbane in March to better understand river-edge assets, indigenous and modern art areas and various bridges and commercial infrastructure.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Mal Kersting- Regional Director Northern Region- Vic Roads
As the key driver for this significant project, Mr. Kersting will offer project planning updates of the 2nd River Crossing including critical 'principles of design' and the design and construct elements and proposed time frames.
Stan Liacos- Director Loddon Mallee Region- Regional Development Victoria (RDV)
Working across large infrastructure projects, investment attraction, regional jobs and skills growth and industry development, Mr. Liacos will offer his unique insights into his vast experience with major projects, how to consider regional opportunity and how to consider current and future assets to increase prosperity for the region.
Glen Cappuano- Id- Australia's Population Experts
Working across the nation as local governments 'go-to' on all things population and demographics, IdProfile will be offering key insights into the impacts on population as researched in other regional areas including major bypass projects, regional population trends and how to keep a vibrant centre.
Phil Crouch, ANZ Head of Regional Banking VIC & TAS
Offering unique insights from past bridge funding projects whilst working in South East Asia and contemporary economic and business insights relating to regional economies and other other domestic infrastructure examples.
Trevor Budge- City of Greater Bendigo Strategy Manager, Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University’s Bendigo Campus, Board Member Victorian Planning Authority
As a highly regarded international speaker on rural and regional planning and running many outbound delegations and study tours on planning, unique insights into transitioning regional towns with evidence and examples from across the globe, this will make for a very engaging and educational session.
Rebecca Arnaud- Principal Urban Planner- Brisbane City Council
This is an incredible and unique opportunity to hear from one of the world's most successful cities regarding its engaging river front development strategies including enterprise precincts, community use and livability elements and city connectivity.
Chris Bilkey- The Bridge Arts Project- Project Insight
Learn about the exciting opportunity and plans to transform Moama's future under-bridge and new reserve area into a significant spaces through the adoption of arts precincts and planning opportunities.
Des Morgan Snr- Yorta Yorta Elder
Hear from a local elder about local opportunities regarding cultural asset development, planning and engagement opportunities and what the bridge means to the indigenous community.
James Whitten - Urban Designer, Architect and Graduate Researcher (University of Melbourne)
James will draw upon his professional and research experience in the United States, India, South America and Australia to explore how strategic infrastructure projects speak to different layers of the urban landscape. He will also discuss how the bridge project might be used to introduce the challenges and opportunities of regional practice to the next generation of planning and design professionals.
Taylor Tran- Author of 'Innovation Melbourne' & Director of CVP Strategy
His recently published book 'Innovation Melbourne' explores collaborative and co-working spaces across all sectors and many locations across Victoria. With deep corporate knowledge and a passion for driving innovation through fresh thinking, this will be a thought provoking presentation.
18 JANUARY 2016
CHAIRMAN BARRY DONCHI ON ABC SHEPPARTON RADIO (WITH MATT DOWLING.)
Following on from Mr Donchi's auction purchase of ABC 774's Book of Autographs of all of 2015's radio guests on Jon Faine's Conversation Hour, local ABC Shepparton host Matt Dowling invited Barry in for a chat about the coup, its charitable benefit to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and his intentions for the Bridge Art Project.
CLICK PLAY BELOW TO LISTEN >
CHAIRMAN BARRY DONCHI ON ABC SHEPPARTON RADIO (WITH MATT DOWLING.)
Following on from Mr Donchi's auction purchase of ABC 774's Book of Autographs of all of 2015's radio guests on Jon Faine's Conversation Hour, local ABC Shepparton host Matt Dowling invited Barry in for a chat about the coup, its charitable benefit to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and his intentions for the Bridge Art Project.
CLICK PLAY BELOW TO LISTEN >
13 JANUARY 2016
COUNTRY LIVING
Bridge Art Project Committee Member, Clive Atkinson is the latest to join the Victorian government’s Aboriginal Honour Roll
COUNTRY LIVING
Bridge Art Project Committee Member, Clive Atkinson is the latest to join the Victorian government’s Aboriginal Honour Roll
- BY SARAH HUDSON
- THE WEEKLY TIMES
- JANUARY 13, 2016 12:00AM
Clive Atkinson has been inducted into the Victorian Government's Aboriginal honour roll for his lifetime's work in art, sculpture and graphic design. He now makes headstones for the Aboriginal resting place in the Echuca cemetery, which he and his wife Judy designed. Clive lives in his traditional Yorta Yorta country. PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS
CLIVE Atkinson lives across the road from the Goulburn River.
“And 12km down the road is the junction of the Murray and Goulburn rivers,” says the 75-year-old. “It’s a beautiful area.”
It’s here, by the river, that his ancestors, the Yorta Yorta people, have lived for millennia. It’s here, in Echuca, that his parents settled, wanting to educate their children after fleeing the cruel conditions of the Cummeragunja mission near Barmah.
And despite a career in art, sculpture and graphic design, which has taken Clive around the world, this is where he has always returned.
It’s his place.
His home, and the Echuca area, is a reflection of a life fully lived, a life recently recognised by the Victorian Government when Clive was inducted into the Aboriginal Honour Roll, the only honour of its kind in Australia.
Now in its fifth year, 79 Aboriginal Victorians have been inducted. Today, Clive says his life has slowed a little compared to past decades.
He’s just about to head off to teach a class in bush furniture.
“When we started it, the class was the only one of its kind in Victoria,” he says. Tomorrow he’s teaching a class in making Aboriginal tombstones.
“My wife (Judy) had the idea a few years ago for the Echuca cemetery to have an Aboriginal resting place in it,” Clive says.
“There was a Chinese section and an Italian section. It was important to have an Aboriginal section because Aborigines at one stage weren’t allowed to be buried in a cemetery.
“When we designed it, it was the first of its kind in Victoria.”
Clive is well used to creating state and national firsts. When he left school in Year 10 to do his graphic design apprenticeship, he says he was the first Aboriginal graphic designer in Victoria. He went on to work for Myer, the Riverine Herald newspaper and then for six years worked overseas in the UK and Canada.
“My mother always said to learn from people who know more than you. If you learn from people who know the same as you, you go nowhere. I travelled because I wanted to go further.”
It was when he returned home to Australia that he truly made his mark, setting up a graphic design studio in South Melbourne.
Through his work he designed the corporate branding for ATSIC, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, created designs for the Australian National Museum indigenous galleries and made a series of 24 stamps for Australia Post.
“The only symbol Aboriginal people used up to that point was the flag. I knew how to do more than that. We took it further,” Clive says.
“I used a lot of Aboriginal imagery and drew on our cultural heritage. In the stamps I used totems, which is symbolic and has meaning.”
The effect, he says, was twofold. The designs created a bridge, encouraging Aboriginal people to feel more connected to the mainstream (including through increased indigenous employment), and for the mainstream to have their understanding of Aboriginal culture broadened.
In all these years, Clive never stopped painting and sculpting, with exhibitions of his traditional indigenous paintings and pottery sculptures around Australia, as well as in Germany and Canada, including an eight-panel mural at Victoria University in 2002.
In what spare time he had he also played guitar in a cover band called Shades, which ran from 1962 until a couple of years ago.
“We played on and off for about 60 years,” he says.
Clive says his work is about promoting Aboriginal culture, not himself. “I have never been a person for accolades or big noting myself.
“My mother always said never try and be better than anyone, just be equal.”
CLIVE Atkinson lives across the road from the Goulburn River.
“And 12km down the road is the junction of the Murray and Goulburn rivers,” says the 75-year-old. “It’s a beautiful area.”
It’s here, by the river, that his ancestors, the Yorta Yorta people, have lived for millennia. It’s here, in Echuca, that his parents settled, wanting to educate their children after fleeing the cruel conditions of the Cummeragunja mission near Barmah.
And despite a career in art, sculpture and graphic design, which has taken Clive around the world, this is where he has always returned.
It’s his place.
His home, and the Echuca area, is a reflection of a life fully lived, a life recently recognised by the Victorian Government when Clive was inducted into the Aboriginal Honour Roll, the only honour of its kind in Australia.
Now in its fifth year, 79 Aboriginal Victorians have been inducted. Today, Clive says his life has slowed a little compared to past decades.
He’s just about to head off to teach a class in bush furniture.
“When we started it, the class was the only one of its kind in Victoria,” he says. Tomorrow he’s teaching a class in making Aboriginal tombstones.
“My wife (Judy) had the idea a few years ago for the Echuca cemetery to have an Aboriginal resting place in it,” Clive says.
“There was a Chinese section and an Italian section. It was important to have an Aboriginal section because Aborigines at one stage weren’t allowed to be buried in a cemetery.
“When we designed it, it was the first of its kind in Victoria.”
Clive is well used to creating state and national firsts. When he left school in Year 10 to do his graphic design apprenticeship, he says he was the first Aboriginal graphic designer in Victoria. He went on to work for Myer, the Riverine Herald newspaper and then for six years worked overseas in the UK and Canada.
“My mother always said to learn from people who know more than you. If you learn from people who know the same as you, you go nowhere. I travelled because I wanted to go further.”
It was when he returned home to Australia that he truly made his mark, setting up a graphic design studio in South Melbourne.
Through his work he designed the corporate branding for ATSIC, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, created designs for the Australian National Museum indigenous galleries and made a series of 24 stamps for Australia Post.
“The only symbol Aboriginal people used up to that point was the flag. I knew how to do more than that. We took it further,” Clive says.
“I used a lot of Aboriginal imagery and drew on our cultural heritage. In the stamps I used totems, which is symbolic and has meaning.”
The effect, he says, was twofold. The designs created a bridge, encouraging Aboriginal people to feel more connected to the mainstream (including through increased indigenous employment), and for the mainstream to have their understanding of Aboriginal culture broadened.
In all these years, Clive never stopped painting and sculpting, with exhibitions of his traditional indigenous paintings and pottery sculptures around Australia, as well as in Germany and Canada, including an eight-panel mural at Victoria University in 2002.
In what spare time he had he also played guitar in a cover band called Shades, which ran from 1962 until a couple of years ago.
“We played on and off for about 60 years,” he says.
Clive says his work is about promoting Aboriginal culture, not himself. “I have never been a person for accolades or big noting myself.
“My mother always said never try and be better than anyone, just be equal.”
16 DEC 2015
COMMITTEE MEMBERS BARRY DONCHI & CHRIS BILKEY VISIT ABC'S 774 MELBOURNE FOR INTERVIEW ON DONATION TO INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION
COMMITTEE MEMBERS BARRY DONCHI & CHRIS BILKEY VISIT ABC'S 774 MELBOURNE FOR INTERVIEW ON DONATION TO INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION
15 December, 2015 10:13AM AEDT
Indigenous Literacy Foundation Christmas bonus delivers book bonanza to remote communities
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has received a Christmas bonus of more than $7000 through its online auction of a bound autograph collection donated by 774 ABC Melbourne's Conversation Hour program.
This year over 60 listeners bid for a book containing the autographs of every guest who has appeared on the program with host Jon Faine throughout 2015.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a not for profit organisation that works to raise literacy levels of children in remote Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia were recipients of this years' auction, ran at the start of December, with an impressive $7100 being raised.
Executive Director, Karen Williams, said that the Foundation was overwhelmed by the generosity of ABC listeners and that the money would go to help purchase 40,000 new books in 2016 for more than 200 remote communities across Australia.
"These books will go to communities where there are few to no books in homes, no bookshops or books sold in the one or two community shops and where there was really poor access to libraries."
Ms Williams said that the book supply program aimed to gift new, culturally appropriate books, 40% of which are written by Indigenous authors.
"Feedback about our book supply program is really positive and the majority of our remote communities say that it has a very positive impact on literacy within their communities".
The winning bidder Mr Barry Donchi from Echuca-Moama has an interest in Indigenous art and storytelling and is part of a steering committee for a community project titled the Bridge Arts Project which will focus on the traditions of the Yorta Yorta Nation.
The big book of 2015 Conversation Hour program rundowns, feature more than 300 autographs signed by a fine mix of celebrated authors, academics, actors, musicians, humanitarians and includes the likes of: Ron Sexsmith, Ai Weiwei, Cadel Evans, Magnus Nilsson, Wendy Whiteley, Gill Hicks, Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, Bob Brown, Joan Baez, Kaz Cooke, Graham Gouldman (10CC), Andrew Denton, Peter Reith, Leisel Jones, Kip Thorne, Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames), Tim Winton, Robert Forster, Ben Lee, Ilyasah Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X), Paul Stanley (Kiss), Sarah Snook, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jon Ronson, Tariq Ali, Will Self, M.Night Shyamalan, Deborah Conway, Louis de Bernieres, Anil Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Shoojit Sircar, Bill Bryson, John Cale, Paul Cox, Richard Lowenstein, Bill Hader, Mark Webber, Linda Tirado, Eddie Perfect, Kurt Elling, Courtney Barnett, Christine Anu, Dame Julia Cleverdon, Peter Singer, Bryn Terfel, Paul D Miller (aka DJ Spooky), Stephen Malkmus (Pavement), Buffy Sainte-Marie, Miriam Margolyes, Bryan Stevenson, Julia Donaldson, David Gulpilil, Suzi Quatro, Amanda Palmer
Each year the Conversation Hour donates to a charity for auction, a bound collection of program rundowns containing the autographs of every guest who has appeared with host Jon Faine during the year.
Previous recipients of the signed rundown auction have included Oxfam and Berry Street.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation Christmas bonus delivers book bonanza to remote communities
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has received a Christmas bonus of more than $7000 through its online auction of a bound autograph collection donated by 774 ABC Melbourne's Conversation Hour program.
This year over 60 listeners bid for a book containing the autographs of every guest who has appeared on the program with host Jon Faine throughout 2015.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a not for profit organisation that works to raise literacy levels of children in remote Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia were recipients of this years' auction, ran at the start of December, with an impressive $7100 being raised.
Executive Director, Karen Williams, said that the Foundation was overwhelmed by the generosity of ABC listeners and that the money would go to help purchase 40,000 new books in 2016 for more than 200 remote communities across Australia.
"These books will go to communities where there are few to no books in homes, no bookshops or books sold in the one or two community shops and where there was really poor access to libraries."
Ms Williams said that the book supply program aimed to gift new, culturally appropriate books, 40% of which are written by Indigenous authors.
"Feedback about our book supply program is really positive and the majority of our remote communities say that it has a very positive impact on literacy within their communities".
The winning bidder Mr Barry Donchi from Echuca-Moama has an interest in Indigenous art and storytelling and is part of a steering committee for a community project titled the Bridge Arts Project which will focus on the traditions of the Yorta Yorta Nation.
The big book of 2015 Conversation Hour program rundowns, feature more than 300 autographs signed by a fine mix of celebrated authors, academics, actors, musicians, humanitarians and includes the likes of: Ron Sexsmith, Ai Weiwei, Cadel Evans, Magnus Nilsson, Wendy Whiteley, Gill Hicks, Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, Bob Brown, Joan Baez, Kaz Cooke, Graham Gouldman (10CC), Andrew Denton, Peter Reith, Leisel Jones, Kip Thorne, Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames), Tim Winton, Robert Forster, Ben Lee, Ilyasah Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X), Paul Stanley (Kiss), Sarah Snook, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jon Ronson, Tariq Ali, Will Self, M.Night Shyamalan, Deborah Conway, Louis de Bernieres, Anil Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Shoojit Sircar, Bill Bryson, John Cale, Paul Cox, Richard Lowenstein, Bill Hader, Mark Webber, Linda Tirado, Eddie Perfect, Kurt Elling, Courtney Barnett, Christine Anu, Dame Julia Cleverdon, Peter Singer, Bryn Terfel, Paul D Miller (aka DJ Spooky), Stephen Malkmus (Pavement), Buffy Sainte-Marie, Miriam Margolyes, Bryan Stevenson, Julia Donaldson, David Gulpilil, Suzi Quatro, Amanda Palmer
Each year the Conversation Hour donates to a charity for auction, a bound collection of program rundowns containing the autographs of every guest who has appeared with host Jon Faine during the year.
Previous recipients of the signed rundown auction have included Oxfam and Berry Street.
- 20 AUGUST 2014
RIVERINE HERALD NEWSPAPER ECHUCA MOAMA
- 5 APRIL 2013
-The Minister For Transport, Hon. Terry Mulder has written letter of support for the Bridge Art Project. Details in our latest Press Release: READ
-Read The Minister For Transport's letter of support: READ
- FEBRUARY 15 2013
RIVERINE HERALD ARTICLE By Kathleen Tonini
Planning for the Bridge Arts Project is progressing well, with a focus on presenting plans to the community and answering questions.
Project media officer Jacqueline Berthaume said it was important people knew the project would not slow down any plans for funding and construction of the new bridge.
The project committee also made a presentation to Murray Shire Council at its last meeting, where the project was met with unanimous support.
The committee is planning to present the plans to Campaspe Shire Council in the near future.
The Bridge Arts Project would see the second Murray River bridge and surrounding land become the world’s longest art gallery, which would illustrate the ‘‘story of Australia’’ through sculpture, paintings and trails.
Committee secretary Chris Bilkey said the main task was seeking funding for a scoping study, to better understand the benefits to the community.
Committee chair Barry Donchi and treasurer John Kenley recently travelled to Sydney to take part in a workshop with Creative Partnerships Australia, the Federal Government’s arts philanthropy agency.
A meeting with Regional Development Victoria Loddon Mallee is also planned.
As well as meeting with key stakeholders, the committee has become officially incorporated and will hold a general meeting to elect office bearers in the coming months.
The project is also finalising its Donor Gift Recipient status, which will allow any donations to the project to be tax deductible. It has also applied for tax free status.
‘‘From our perspective we find the support from people who support the project is overwhelming,’’ Mr Bilkey said.
‘‘Things are looking positive.’’ He said the only dilemma was the committee still did not know the timeline for the bridge construction.
- SEP 21 2012
.
RIVERINE HERALD
Bridge art project takes step in right direction
A project which would see an art gallery stretch along the proposed second bridge route has big plans for the space.
By Monique Preston
A proposal to turn Echuca-Moama’s new bridge and surrounding land into an art gallery took its next step on Wednesday, with the project presented to representatives from Regional Development Australia.
The Bridge Arts Project steering committee told the funding body and a collection of community leaders about the ambitious project, which would see the proposed new bridge form the central part of a major art and cultural exhibition celebrating indigenous and post-colonial Australian history.
The steering committee hopes to have some say in the new bridge, with things like the pier design, decorative designs in concrete pylons and even having hooks placed on the bridge that artwork could be hung from.
Steering committee secretary Chris Bilkey said the project would stretch along the bridge route and would include an information centre, gallery and interpretative centre, as well as the possibility of a conference and education centre some time in the future.
Mr Bilkey said a significant amount of the Yorta Yorta story would be told, but it was also hoped to represent all of Australia’s indigenous story through art.
‘‘We want to make this an iconic national indigenous art centre,’’ Mr Bilkey said.
RDA’s Barb Hull told those present Federal Regional Development and Arts Minister Simon Crean was interested in the project.
VicRoad’s regional director Mal Kersting was supportive of the steering committee’s ideas and Yorta Yorta Nation’s Neville Atkinson said it was a way of ‘‘drawing a line in the sand of the past and moving forward together’’.
Mr Bilkey said the project was dependant on the building of the new Echuca-Moama bridge.
However, as much of the initial work would be on the NSW side, Mr Bilkey said the start of the project would not be delayed by which of the mid-west two bridge options were chosen to go ahead.
The steering committee has a long-term vision for the project, with Mr Bilkey saying it would be done in stages and could take 20 years to complete.
READ
Bridge art project takes step in right direction
A project which would see an art gallery stretch along the proposed second bridge route has big plans for the space.
By Monique Preston
A proposal to turn Echuca-Moama’s new bridge and surrounding land into an art gallery took its next step on Wednesday, with the project presented to representatives from Regional Development Australia.
The Bridge Arts Project steering committee told the funding body and a collection of community leaders about the ambitious project, which would see the proposed new bridge form the central part of a major art and cultural exhibition celebrating indigenous and post-colonial Australian history.
The steering committee hopes to have some say in the new bridge, with things like the pier design, decorative designs in concrete pylons and even having hooks placed on the bridge that artwork could be hung from.
Steering committee secretary Chris Bilkey said the project would stretch along the bridge route and would include an information centre, gallery and interpretative centre, as well as the possibility of a conference and education centre some time in the future.
Mr Bilkey said a significant amount of the Yorta Yorta story would be told, but it was also hoped to represent all of Australia’s indigenous story through art.
‘‘We want to make this an iconic national indigenous art centre,’’ Mr Bilkey said.
RDA’s Barb Hull told those present Federal Regional Development and Arts Minister Simon Crean was interested in the project.
VicRoad’s regional director Mal Kersting was supportive of the steering committee’s ideas and Yorta Yorta Nation’s Neville Atkinson said it was a way of ‘‘drawing a line in the sand of the past and moving forward together’’.
Mr Bilkey said the project was dependant on the building of the new Echuca-Moama bridge.
However, as much of the initial work would be on the NSW side, Mr Bilkey said the start of the project would not be delayed by which of the mid-west two bridge options were chosen to go ahead.
The steering committee has a long-term vision for the project, with Mr Bilkey saying it would be done in stages and could take 20 years to complete.
READ
- 2 MAY 2012
RIVERINE HERALD NEWSPAPER COVER STORY GALLERY DREAM FOR NEW BRIDGE ARTICLE:
| gallerydreamfornewbridge.pdf |
- SEPT 20 2012
Bridge Art Project Presentation To Regional Development Australia
Good afternoon. Welcome to Perricoota Vines Lakehouse. I’m Barry Donchi, Chairperson for the Bridge Art Project steering committee.
Today is about our vision and what we can achieve with a united effort.
Today’s presentation has been prepared around Regional Development Australia’s willingness to learn more about the idea.
We welcome Barbara Hull, CEO for RDA Murray and are proud to introduce her and Nicole to today’s guests. (Applause)
Perhaps at this point it would be appropriate for each person to introduce themselves and identify who they represent:
(Round table introductions)
1. Mal Kersting (Regional Director Northern Victoria - Vic Roads) 2. Hayley Lawton - (Creative Services & Graphic Design)
3. Christy O'Brien - (Media Officer for Paul Weller MP)
4..Mari Q (District Planning Officer - Campaspe Shire)
5. Brian Sharp (Moama resident & Murray Shire)
6. Katrina Tehan (Tender Right)
7. Mark Francis (Murray Regional Tourism Board)
8. Kerry Williams (Bridge Arts Project Committee Member + Echuca Moama Arts Initiative Rep) 9.Neville Atkinson - Chairperson Yorta Yorta Nation
10.Deb Webster - Indigenous Community Development Broker (Dept Planning and Community Dev. Bendigo)
11.Nicole Doughty (Executive Consultant Murray Now Limited)
12.GUEST OF HONOR: Barbara Hull - Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia (Murray) Part of Simon Crean’s Federal ministry for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government
13.Peter Clinnick - Managing Director AES - Advanced Environmental Systems 14.Zach Hope - Editor Riv Herald
15.Len Hall - Vic Roads
16.Neville Hallam (Vic Roads)
17.Pete White (EM Tourism)
18.Peter Willliams (Campaspe Shire)
19.Hayden Cock (C4EM)
20.Greg Murdoch (Murray Shire)
21.Damian Morgan Bulled - (Yorta Yorta Nation Interim CEO - Bridge Arts Project Committee Member)
22.Ged Brandrick (Brandricks Architects)
Apologies today come from:
-Donna Collier - Development Officer (Dept Planning and Community Dev. Bendigo) -Anne Mawson (Echuca Moama Arts Initiative)
-Paul Weller MP
-Kevin Williams (Indigenous Artist and Njernda Representative)
-John Kenley (Bridge Arts Project Treasurer) -Jim Cosgriff (C4EM)
-Kevin Simpson (Campase Shire)
-Keith Baillie (Campaspe Shire)
-Damian Drum MP (MP)
-Clive & Judy Atkinson (Bridge Arts Poject + Mirembeena) -Beck Hayward (Murray Shire)
-John Mitchell (Njernda)
And a special mention to Kimberly Moulton (Bunjilaka Melbourne) who is fascinated by the idea and wanted to be here today but had other commitments.
I have been deeply involved in Moama for more than 20 years and have lived locally for over 45 years, during which time the location for a new river crossing has been strongly debated.
As you can see by this property, our family is heavily involved in tourism. During recent trips overseas and various spots around Australia, I have been inspired to think of a “bigger picture” for this region.
It would appear that there is a world-wide trend of interest in the arts, in many forms, and in history, particularly indigenous history.
Let’s think about the bigger picture for this region.
Bingo! We are about to have available a new river crossing, the approaches, supports and surrounds of whic will provide an incredible canvas for historical interpretation - artistic displays and education.
What do you think Gaudi could have done with that?
A once in a lifetime opportunity is at hand. A project that will continue to grow and evolve and will attract local, national and international tourists, students, academics and art lovers. Europeans and Asians - people from all over the world are intrigued by our inland Australia and aboriginality.
This region already has many diverse offerings to visitors.
We are in the heart of the greatest Aboriginal Nation in Australia - past and present (The Yorta Yorta Nation) and the opportunities are endless.
Think about -
• 60,000 years of occupation
• The oldest civilisation on the planet
• A central point for Australia-wide Indigenous history - A national centre.
Contemporary art in its many incarnations, can tell many stories and unravel many truths about the life and times and colonial treatment on the original custodians of our region and Australia as a whole.
History is an ever-evolving study. The future exposes more about the past and it grows from both ends (like the bridge).
Our steering committee is comprised of a broad spectrum of the community, including the Yorta Yorta people, business people, arts people, education people and interested citizens.
So far, 99% has been great feedback, including Vic Roads, Local Government, Urban Arts Experts and Cultural Advisors.
Today we ask R.D.A. and all present to open your minds to the potential of this vision and we welcome your involvement, advice, support and of course your constructive criticism.
Open your minds and think big. We believe the time is ripe.
We can create a national, international, iconic, ever evolving drawcard to our region and our country.
If we do our job well here today, and can convey our enthusiasm and commitment, Barb Hall will excitedly take our message to Minister Simon Crean and assist us with our next steps and the way forward.
Thankyou.
- Barry Donchi
- JUNE 28 2012
- MAY 23 2012
- MAY 7th 2012
- MAY 1st 2012
DISCUSSION PAPER HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR NEW IDEAS IN ECHUCA MOAMA READ
Gathered at the meeting were (from left) C4EM board member Chris Bilkey, C4EM CEO Hayden Cock, C4EM board member Dean Oberin, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum and Member for Rodney Paul Weller.
media - latest press releases
- 5 APRIL 2013
| pressministersupportsbap.pdf |
- MARCH 16 2013
| bappressrelease2sent.pdf |
- MAY 2 2013
| bappressrelease1.pdf |
project presentation: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
- DOWNLOAD the September 19 Presentation Summary to RDA with Barbara Hull
DRAFTS
Draft documents by Hayley Lawton & Brandricks Architects
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PROJECTIONS
Futuristic image of the proposed bridge art project featuring walk path beneath the Murray River crossing. Image by J. O'Dwyer and J. Berthaume.
Futuristic image of proposed bridge arts project featuring sculptures and concrete etchings on and around concrete pillars. Original artwork provided by Clive and Judy Atkinson, Echuca.
60,000 years Indigenous Australia. Image sourced from Dr Wayne Atkinson's website
http://waynera.files.wordpress.com
This is a map of the Native Title Land that was claimed in Traditional Yorta Yorta Territory.
Traditional Yorta Yorta lands lie on both sides of the Murray River roughly from Cohuna to Albury / Wodonga. They include towns such as Echuca, Shepparton, Benalla, Corowa and Wangaratta and extend northwards to just south of Deniliquin.
This map was part of the claim which sought confirmation of the continuation of native title over forests and other public lands along the Murray and Goulburn Rivers. Yorta Yorta Traditional tribal lands, covers some 20,000 square kilometres.
Image sourced from the YYNAC website: www.yynac.com.au
For high resolution files please email media@bridgeartsproject.com
public survey
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