Uniting culture, land and sea: SeaLink unveils Indigenous art installation at Bruny Island terminal

SeaLink Marine & Tourism has unveiled an original indigenous art installation at its Bruny Island Terminal 40 minutes South of Hobart, Tasmania.

Welcoming visitors upon arrival, this captivating artwork adorns the SeaLink ticket booth, and encapsulates the essence of Bruny Island – its diverse wildlife, marine wonders and rich cultural heritage.

Commissioned from local Tasmanian contemporary Indigenous artist, Bronwyn Englert, her artwork echoes the natural allure and historical significance of the Aboriginal waterway connecting Tasmania and Bruny Island. Hailing from the Huon River region’s Melukerdee clan, Bronwyn’s ties to country run deep, much like the waterways SeaLink ferries traverse.

Bronwyn Englert, art teacher and employee at the South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC), expressed her pride in the project: “Nature is my inspiration, and creating this commission was a source of joy.”

Standing 2.4 meters tall and 2.1 meters wide, the original painting, taking 27 hours to create, now adorns the ticket booth permanently at the Kettering Terminal, replicated by a digital printer.

The stunning artwork’s intricate elements represents profound significance to the region (see Photo 2 below):

1. Parrabah (whale): the creation story and the SeaLink vessel’s name
2. Fairy penguins at Bruny Island’s neck, nesting sites after dusk
3. Places of cultural significance in the region
4. Dolphins traversing the local waterways
5. Sea kelp representing meeting places of cultural significance
6. A beacon symbolising Bruny Island’s community importance.

“The vibrant Huon Valley community cherishes arts and culture, which finds expression through the distinctive stories and imagery of the First Nation’s people. The creation story of this region is one of love and profound beauty,” Englert said.

Simon Tamlyn, General Manager SeaLink Bruny Island explained the installation’s significance: “This artwork acknowledges the strong connection and cultural significance of the land to the Melukerdee clan as the region’s First Nation peoples. Indigenous art and culture are integral parts of our shared human heritage and we’re both privileged and proud to showcase Bronwyn Englert’s art, a captivating portrayal of the region’s creation story and humanity’s role as its custodian.”

Rodney Dillon, a local elder, said, “This collaboration further strengthens the connection between SeaLink and the community, fostering greater recognition and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. This recognition and continued partnership are pivotal in forging a new path toward reconciliation.”

“The team at SeaLink are deeply committed to demonstrating genuine respect and further developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, helping to share their rich stories and culture with visitors to the region,” Mr Tamlyn continued, highlighting the alignment of this commitment with SeaLink Bruny Island’s vessels, Parrabah and Nairana both named in consultation with SETAC.

For more information about SeaLink Bruny Island and SeaLink’s Reconciliation Action plan, visit www.sealink.com.au.
* SeaLink Marine & Tourism https://www.brillianttravels.com.au/
* Cheryl Monkhouse at cheryl.monkhouse@sealink.com.au