A stunning art exhibition has been installed at Cairns Airport as part of a significant partnership aimed at providing new opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island young people.
The large ‘ME. The Exhibition’ in Cairns Airport’s domestic terminal features a range of intricate self-portraits created by students from the AFL Cape York boarding houses for boys and girls. The artwork has been strategically placed at departure gates where the students usually travel from, recognising their contribution and strengthening cultural connection while they are away from home.
It comes as Cairns Airport and the AFL Cape York House Foundation formalise an arrangement aimed at supporting and amplifying students’ endeavours across sport, culture, wellbeing and education.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said Cairns Airport was well-placed to champion the valuable work of the AFL Cape York House Foundation.
“Cairns Airport is the gateway to Cape York and the Torres Strait, with a number of flights operating to and from these regions every day,” he said.
“The AFL Cape York House Foundation provides exceptional opportunities for young people in these remote communities, and we are pleased to support their important work through a range of initiatives.”
“We are also thrilled to feature ME. The Exhibition in our terminal. This meaningful artwork has brightened the area and is a fantastic way to showcase the rich culture of Tropical North Queensland, which we know is a key drawcard for visitors to our region.”
About 90 per cent of Indigenous children living remotely must leave their communities to complete their education, which can lead to homesickness and social disconnection. The AFL Cape York House Foundation enables young people to complete their education in a home environment focused on wellbeing. There are currently 100 students from 45 communities residing at the purpose-built AFL Cape York houses in Cairns and Redlynch.
AFL Cape York House Foundation Director Rick Hanlon believed the partnership with Cairns Airport would enable students to experience opportunities that might otherwise not be possible.
“For example, with Cairns Airport’s assistance, our young people will travel to Sydney in October for the DanceRites competition, where they will get the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of people and represent themselves, their culture and AFL Cape York. Some of our young people have never been on a large plane before,” he said.
“Like us, Cairns Airport is a business that’s all about people. For our students, Cairns Airport represents a connection back to home. Having the exhibition in the terminal helps young people feel a link back to their families, and also brings them back to why they’re here.”
Mr Hanlon said having exposure to the many career pathways at Cairns Airport would also help students to plan for their future.
“All of our remote areas have an airport, so showcasing the various opportunities in the industry could spark interest in pursuing similar employment back in their community,” he said.
“This partnership will also enable students to give back to the community through initiatives supported by Cairns Airport, such as beach or mangrove clean-ups.”
Visit aflcyhfoundation.org.au for more information about the AFL Cape York House Foundation.