Introduction

This exhibition of 32 historical images from the John Oxley Library within the State Library of Queensland highlights the role played by South Sea Islanders in the development of Queensland in the 19th century.

Australian South Sea Islanders have a unique place in Australian and Queensland history as a distinct cultural group. Their story is unique because they do not have an Indigenous or immigration heritage.

The original South Sea Islanders were first brought to Queensland between 1863 and 1904 from 80 Pacific islands, primarily Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, to work in the fledgling sugar industry. Of mainly Melanesian descent, they were for nearly 50 years the industry's principal labour source.

Across the Coral Sea: Australian South Sea Islanders in Queensland is divided into three integral parts. The Land of Promise illustrates the arrival of the Islanders. Life in Queensland focuses on the actual daily lives of the workers and forms the major component of the exhibition, while Those Who Left and Those Who Stayed looks at Islanders who returned to their homelands and those who settled in Australia.

This exhibition was originally developed within the John Oxley Library as Across the Coral Sea: Loyalty Islanders in Queensland. Acknowledgement is made to Rose Kokone of the Island of Lifou whose original idea it was to create such an exhibition. Acknowledgement is also made to the curator of that exhibition, Robert Longhurst, and coordinator, Suzanne Grano; as well as the generous assistance given by: Arts Queensland; Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts; CSR Sugar; Qantas; Air Calédonie; QNI Billiton; Bibliothèque Bernheim; Museum of Tropical Queensland; Queensland Sugar; and On Time Copy Centres. This exhibition, an initiative of the State Library of Queensland, has been made possible through the support of the Queensland Community Foundation, Multicultural Affairs Queensland, The Public Trustee of Queensland and Queensland Arts Council.

Foreword by Mal Meninga

As a member of the Australian South Sea Islander community I am privileged and proud to be Patron for the Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation.

As Patron, and personally, I am committed to raising awareness of the South Sea Islander Community and the very important role our forebears played in the history of this State. This exhibition helps achieve both these objectives. I applaud the efforts of all organisations involved in creating this exhibition.

Who we are, and where we have come from is very important. Understanding our background helps shape our values, particularly the sense of community and family spirit. This uniqueness is an important part of who I am today. It gives me a sense of pride and belonging and where I fit into the Australian way of life.Through knowledge and understanding a healthier and happier future for all is assured.

Mal Meninga AM

Catalogue

Download the exhibition catalogue to view the prints available for ordering.

Notice

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