Central Coast Council and Gosford Regional Gallery are celebrating National Reconciliation Week with the launch of two major new exhibitions - Colours of Country and The Sean Lonergan Schools Project.

Colours of Country is an exhibition of collected artworks from six respected local Aboriginal Artists: Kylie Cassidy, Gavi Duncan, Wendy Pawley, Garry Purchase, Ron Smith and Donnella Waters.

Council Group Leader, Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council was committed to recognising and celebrating the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and talent in the region.

“The Sean Lonergan Schools Project continues the work of Sean Lonergan who promoted reconciliation and created opportunities for local Aboriginal artists in our region for many years,” Ms Vaughan said.

“He made a significant contribution to the culture of the Coast and we want to acknowledge and continue his wonderful work. Sean Lonergan was the Manager of the Gosford Department of Fair Trading office and supported the first Reconciliation art competition on the Coast in 1999.”

The Gosford Regional Gallery selected nine local schools to create a collaborative artwork for the Sean Lonergan School Project. Each school was mentored by a local Aboriginal artist.

Participating schools include: Barker Darkinjung, Brisbane Water Secondary College - Umina Campus, Central Coast Adventist School, Central Coast Grammar School, Erina High School, Kariong Public School, Gosford Primary School, Umina Beach Public School and Wadalba Community School. Participating artists: Michelle Earl, Maurice Goolagong, Grant Molony, Wendy Pawley, Garry and Natalie Purchase, Tim Selwyn, Ron Smith, Carol Sutherland and Donnella Waters.

National Reconciliation Week begins on May 27, the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, and continues until June 3 - Mabo Day - the Day in 1992 when the High Court overturned the notion of `terra nullius’.

A Cultural Market Day will be held to celebrate Colours of Country and the Sean Lonergan Schools Project on Sunday 28 May, from 10am until 4pm.

The community will be able to enjoy a bush tucker barbecue, guitarist/and singer George Pawley, Aboriginal dancers, Wild Arc encounters with native animals and more than 20 stalls selling handmade Aboriginal Arts and Crafts.

Exhibition dates

Colours of Country: 27 May to 16 July 2017
The Sean Lonergan Schools Project: 27 May to 16 July 2017

For more information visit the Gosford Regional Gallery website.