In the 1950s, children at Point Pearce Aboriginal Station grew up singing ‘God Save the Queen’ and playing under the Union Jack. They lived in a strong, close-knit community with school and family at its centre. They were children of the Empire at a time when their parents were not full citizens in their own land.

The Children of the Empire exhibition presents images of childhood and community life at Point Pearce in the 1950s, including football and basketball teams, picnics, schoolwork and play. It will bring back memories and provide the opportunity to ‘meet’ well-known Nungas when they were children. The exhibition captures the activity and life of a community on the cusp of change.

The Children of the Empire exhibition was initiated by Narungga elder Uncle Dookie Kevin O’Loughlin OAM in 2008 after Miss Margaret McIntyre, who had been one of his teachers at Point Pearce in the 1950s, gave him a collection of slides she had taken at the time. During development of the exhibition, further slides were contributed by another former teacher, Miss Patricia Chennell.

The exhibition is presented by Tandanya in partnership with the South Australian Museum and the History Trust of South Australia.

Uncle Dookie to open exhibition at 6pm on 15th May, please RSVP to tandanya@tandanya.com.au or call 08 8224 3200 by 12th May.