Australian Catastrophe 2020

View of Country, Margaret Ngwarraye Long

Bay Gallery Home has been meaning to write a blog for some time about the slew of environmental catastrophes devastating Australia. The impact of the widespread destruction of our home country, Australia, is extraordinarily difficult to put into words. My daughter, Greta, I think can say it best through the lens and emotions of a child: raw and honest. This is an excerpt of a presentation she did for a Australian fundraising event at her school in the UK.

“As you all might know some parts of Australia are on fire and that’s quite a sensitive subject for me as I’m Australian. The thing thats bothering me the most at the moment is the fires in Australia. It makes me so upset that I can’t do anything about it apart from think about it. I want to get over there and help the animals and the people. I want to help in anyway I possibly can and that’s why I think I am in this world. I want to hug everything. Thinking about going there again and seeing its all burnt down gives me the chills. The thing I most wish for this year is to make the world a better place.

We need to remember not only the iconic animals are in danger, like the koalas and kangaroos but the wombats, platypus, the birds, the Emus, insects, fish and many other animals and plants essential to the Australian eco system.

Please donate, if you can, to the fire brigade and the animal shelters. Thank you.” Greta, 11 years old

Here are some suggestions for those wishing to donate:

redcross.org.uk

findabed.info

NSW Rural Fire Service quickweb.westpac.com.au

Wildlife Emergency fund - wires.org.au

Animal Rescue Collective Craft Guild - making pouches for injured wildlife

Murdie Nampijinpa Morris Two Dogs Dreaming fine bone China

 'My Country' - Blue wallpaper depicting Kangaroo and Pigweed, found all over the Central Desert looking beautiful with chinaware designs by the world renowned artist Murdie Nampijinpa who paints Two Dogs Dreaming.  Murdie is one of the elders sometimes known as the "first contact" group who lived a nomadic traditional lifestyle with their families before the "white fella" made contact.  This generation performed ceremonies that, in some cases, are no longer performed but the Dreamtime stories are still told so subsequent generations can maintain their language and connection to the land - their Country.

Original artwork by Murdie is available from www.baygalleryhome.com.  These paintings were selected on our last visit to the outback.  There's a rawness, depth and spirit to them that speaks to you from thousands of years ago.