Each July, the community of Moree Plains celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and in recognition of the event, Moree Plains Shire Council is flying a contemporary Aboriginal artwork by local artist Blossom Pitt.
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The original artwork titled “Stronger Women: New Beginnings” depicts a confident and resilient Gomeroi woman who draws from her cultural knowledge to understand the practical aspects of life and community.
In addition, Ms Pitt wrote a poem, “Matriarchs” which details the strength of women, their relationship with the past and their influence on future generations.
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Council’s communication officer Catherine Davis explained this year’s NAIDOC Week theme “Because of her, we can!” fits perfectly with Ms Pitt’s artistic and literary artworks.
“As women, we are the people who make positive differences in the lives of our children, our extended families, our friends and our community.”
“Stronger Women: New Beginnings mirrors the NAIDOC theme Because of her, we can! and Council is very proud to install the flags in the main street as part of the community’s celebrations,” Mrs Davis said.
Ms Pitt, who has recently started her own business, Embrace, said her focus is on unifying the community and bringing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people together.
“This year’s month-long NAIDOC celebrations are about celebrating the Peoples’ we are today and bringing the whole-of-community along, so we can create New Beginnings for all of us,” Ms Pitt said.
“Having my design made into a flag and flown in my home town is a tribute to the women in our lives that nurture us, provide support, give us strength and build our community.
“My mother, Dorothy is over the moon and my father, William Pitt is extremely proud of my efforts, they will view the design on the first day it is raised in Balo Street, Moree.”
“The Pitt family roots are deep in the black soil as our family line originates from before the Moree Town was built. In fact, my ancestors were the only Aboriginal family in Moree located along the Mehi River – the first Aboriginal family to be discovered by the explorer, Thomas Mitchell back in the 1830s,” Ms Pitt said proudly.
Embrace is helping with this year’s NAIDOC events including a NAIDOC princess competition.
Ms Pitt is the sixth Aboriginal artist whose work has been reproduced as a main street flag for the Moree Plains community.
Matriarchs by Blossom Pitt
They say I was born in the womb of mother earth,
Listening to songs, whispers and echoes,
Feeling rhythm and movement like a ceremonial dance.
Sensing every sound, beat and touch, as though I was already a part of their creation.
Being guided by the wisdom of the spirited Ones,
Growing, taking in knowledge, rising and getting stronger.
From the clever Ones, the ancient Ones, the powerful Ones, the traditional Ones,
Being taught the old ways, the right ways…Our way.
They say these Ones are the extraordinary,
The rare, the gifted, the unique.
They are known as Gomeroi.
They are the Matriarchs.
Original words of article from Moree Plains Shire Council.