Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the Pilbara region of my electorate of Durack is the iron ore town of Port Hedland. If you are travelling to the Pilbara, I urge you to view the art from the Hedland Art Awards in the Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery. As the local member, it was a great pleasure to officially launch the awards recently, which showcase the talents of established and emerging artists, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, from the Pilbara, Kimberley, Gascoyne and Mid West regions of Western Australia.

When thinking about the development of the Aboriginal art industry in Durack just 10 years ago, places like Roebourne and the Mowajum community in Derby were leading the way. Successful models were established by them for developing the artists' talents and then exhibiting their works in cities throughout Australia and internationally. The Roebourne model has been supported by RIO Tinto and is being replicated. We are seeing development of Aboriginal art as an enterprise in communities in the Mid West, the Kimberley—who can forget those wonderfully talented ladies in the Fitzroy?—and, of course, Port Hedland. Quite a number of the efforts have developed into microbusinesses and are ensuring skills development, retention of culture, personal pride and achievement, income and development of sustainable enterprises.

The Hedland Art Awards had 10 categories, with the top award going to an Aboriginal artist. Most Outstanding Work, with a prize of $20,000, went to Daisy Japulija. Best Work by an Indigenous Artist, with a prize of $15,000, went to Bugai Whyoulter. Art is thriving in remote and regional Durack communities, and I am very proud.