First Nations children and young people from across the Central Coast are having their creative expression celebrated through Maliga – the annual visual storytelling program that helps to mark Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week.

Maliga sees First Nations young people share stories of culture and identity through visual, performance and literary expression, with artworks featured in a collaborative street flag presentation in Wyong, Toukley, Long Jetty and Umina town centres and The Entrance Bridge and along Tuggerah Straight.

Central Coast Council Acting Director Community and Recreation Services, Phil Cantillon said this year’s artworks showcase both a traditional and contemporary style.

“Council is thrilled to once again help celebrate the stories and talent of our young First Nations people aged three to 18 through the Maliga program,” Mr Cantillon said.

“The street flag presentation is an annual highlight for the Coast and this year we can enjoy pieces by local artist Kyle Waters and the work of students from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (The Entrance and Berkeley Vale), Kincumber Public School, Kincumber High, Wyong High School and Wadalba Community School.

“Maliga means Shine in Darkinjung language and the Maliga visual storytelling program is a community led initiative that provides an outstanding platform for young First Nations people on the Coast to shine.”

The Maliga flags will help to mark Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and NAIDOC Week (4 July – 11 July).

Gosford Regional Gallery and The Entrance Gallery will also be celebrating First Nations Peoples through exhibitions and events including:

• Cleverman exhibition (Gosford Regional Gallery)
• Colours of Country exhibition (Gosford Regional Gallery)
• Saltwater Freshwater (The Entrance Gallery).

Maliga is made possible through collaborations with local Elders, cultural leaders and educational institutions and the participation of First Nations families.

This year’s flags include a representation of ‘Tiddalik the Frog’ brought to life through the illustrative skills of local artist of Kamilaroi descent, Kyle Waters.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is committed to supporting reconciliation and celebrating young First Nations peoples from the Coast.

“The Coast is home to a growing First Nations peoples community – including many talented young people – and it is wonderful to be able to hear their stories and experience their work through important initiatives such as Maliga,” Mr Hart said.

“It is important to mark Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week and encourage everyone to enjoy the artworks across the Coast and attend the featured exhibitions at our galleries.”

Find out more by searching 'Maliga' on Council's website and for details about exhibitions/events at our galleries visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/Galleries

ENDS