An exhibition honouring Aboriginal Elders is set to open in South Australia's south east later this month.
Coinciding with NAIDOC Week, Portraits of our Elders, an intimate glimpse into the lives, stories, and enduring spirit of Aboriginal Elders, will run at Mount Gambier's Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre from mid June.
The exhibition brings together a series of powerful photographic portraits, showcasing Elders in the places most sacred and meaningful to them.
Presented in partnership with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation and supported by the City of Mount Gambier's Creative Arts Fund, Portraits of our Elders combines oral histories from Elders with their portrait.
Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation managing director of language and education, Tara Bonney, said the project is vital in ensuring the voices of Elders, their story and legacy, can be heard and passed on.
"It is my hope that the next generation of Indigenous young people, as well as the broader community, can benefit from the transmission of the knowledge of and connection to Country, as well as the enduring spirit and resilience of our beautiful Elders," the Meintangk, Bunganditj and Nurungga woman said.
The exhibition is part of a broader storytelling initiative led by author and journalist Charlotte Lovett, who spent months gathering oral histories to combine them with Wanita Robinson's portrait photography.
"Portraits of our Elders is a celebration of culture, truth-telling, and the lived experiences of First Nations people," Ms Lovett said.
"It invites all of us to listen, learn, and honour the knowledge that our Elders carry.
"It has been an honour for both Wanita and myself to be allowed a glimpse into the complex, difficult and deeply personal stories our Elders have carried for decades."
The images will be displayed throughout NAIDOC Week, forming a collective portrait of strength, wisdom, and deep connection to Country, community and culture.
The City of Mount Gambier said in the spirit of promoting healing and understanding, the exhibition aligns with national efforts to acknowledge Australia's complex history and embrace open, honest conversations.
"This is a timely and important exhibition for the Riddoch to be hosting and we are very proud to work in partnership with the community to delivery it," Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre curator Chris Clements said.
"This is an unmissable opportunity for local community and visitors alike to stand in solidarity with our Elders, recognising their critical role in shaping our shared future."
Portraits of our Elders runs from 14 - 20 June at The Riddoch Arts and Culture Centre, which is open 10am-5pm weekdays and 10am-2pm weekends and most public holidays. Entry is free.