Rottnest Island Holiday accomodation like holidaying at Auschwitz

I feel cheated as an Australian Citizen

I attended an art exhibition at the Heathcote Museum & Gallery, Duncraig Road, Applecross to view Tania Ferrier’s The Quod Project. Exhibition runs from 21 Jan – 27 Feb 2011. It’s about WADJEMUP, the island we call Rottnest which was a place of Aboriginal incarceration from 1839 until the early 1930’s, when the last Aboriginal prisoner was transferred. A traumatic site of imprisonment, and a burial ground for around 400 Aboriginal men.
I lived there for 12 months as a 5 year old and have visited the island several times but up until last night I did not understand the heartbreak and trauma that occurred. I feel cheated as an Australian Citizen that this information was not made available when I was in primary school.

Some telling comments on The Quod Project Exhibition.

Well known Perth architect's comment regarding The Quod Project exhibition's criticism of the use of the Rottnest Quod building for tourist accommodation: "It is not going to change a bloody thing. What a waste of time".

Artist for The Quod Project to the Architect: "Hey, there is an Aboriginal guy in the room next door.

( this was true)  I'll ask him to come in and can you say that again"?

Architect to artist: " Hey, you know I'm only joking"! ( no he wasn't).

What does this mean? Two truths. One we really believe & one we say in front of Aboriginal people.

Wealthy Mount Claremont lady: 

Thankyou Tania for invitation to Quod exhibition.

I went to view it on Friday and found it an interesting instalment / exhibition.

It will be difficult for people to really change their view of Rottnest

as it is the only island close by. 

 All we can hope for is an acknowlegement that  Rottnest was not always a place for pleasure.

Best wishes

Mary

Friends of Art Gallery of WA attendee to Quod Project Talk:

Artist refering to 2m x 3m cell installation which is now part of Rottnest Lodge tourist accommodation: "These Lodge Quod units are now set aside

especially for families. Families would not want to stay there if they knew the truth of the past use of the space."

Wealthy Claremont Friends of AGWA lady: "Oh, it would not change my mind".

Artist: " Really! So you would put the kids to bed and say, darlings did you know that 70 men died in this room"!

Wealthy Claremont lady: "Oh no! I wouldn't tell them"!

WILL POST SOME MORE SOON. READ DOWN FOR PREVIOUS POSTS.