A UNIQUE collection of hand-crafted indigenous artefacts has been presented to Mount Gambier councillor and First Nation peoples representative Mark Lovett by the city’s National Trust branch.
National Trust of South Australia Mount Gambier branch chair Willie Davidson presented the items to Cr Lovett yesterday at the city’s former courthouse.
In an effort to retain the historical items and the emotion attached, the branch’s longest serving member Wendy Monger suggested donating the items back to the Boandik people.
Ms Monger said the items had been part of the city’s National Trust collection since before her involvement with the organisation over 45 years ago.
“These pieces have been here longer than I have,” she said.
“We came across them when putting together one of our many displays and that is when I thought it would be best to give them the home they deserve.”
The objects include a large and small boomerang, two large hand shields with elaborate markings, two miniature spears and shields, a pair of hitting sticks and a nulla nulla with gum and arrow points.
Mr Lovett said the Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation would be the caretakers for the items until a First Nation committee body had officially formed.
“We are grateful the city’s National Trust decided to hand these artefacts over and it will be the choice of the First Nation peoples as to what happens to these items in the future,” he said.
“We encourage individuals, businesses and organisations to donate any indigenous artefacts in their possession and we are more than happy to receive them.”
