Friday 16th June 2000

SEA OF HANDS TO GREET OLYMPIC TORCH IN CHERBOURG

To mark the arrival of the Olympic Torch relay in Cherbourg this Saturday (June 17), ANTaR QLD will be transporting the Sea of Hands to this historic location.

Over 80,000 hands will be laid out in Cherbourg, one of the oldest and largest Indigenous settlements in Queensland.

Originally Known as 'Barambah", the Cherbourg reserve was founded as a result of the 1997 Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act as a place for 'protecting' what was considered a dying race.

Over the years, people from some 40 languague groups, including the local Wakka Wakka people were removed from their homes and traditional lands and sent to Cherbourg against their will. They were under the direct power of superintendent who 'acted as arresters, prosecutors, magistrates, gaolers and rehabilitators'.

Paid no wages and on basic rations, they could at any time be deported as 'incorrigibles' , while family members could be refused entry as 'undesirables'.

Cherbourg developed its own strong culture, and is now locally controlled under a Deed of Grant in trust.

The arrival of the Olympic torch will feature local dancers and music, as well as the highly visual Sea of Hands representing the commitment of over 200,000 Australians to the principles of Native Title and reconciliation.

The Sea of Hands design for this occasion was drawn by a local Indigenous artist Max Conlon and the lay-out of the many coloured hands will represent 'moving forwards towards our aspirations and goals.

The arrival of the Olympic Torch is a unique opportunity for the local community to share their history and celebrate their aspirations for the new millennium.

The Olympic Torch will be arriving in Cherbourg at 2.15 PM on Saturday June 17th. The Sea of Hands will be laid out between 8 and 10am at the Jack "Champ " Malone Sports oval

For further information contact Matthew Malone on 0412 537497