CQU Mackay moviemaker document local Indonesian history
Published on 06 April, 2004
Central Queensland University digital moviemaker Martin Francis has secured funding to create the first documentary detailing the history of Mackay’s Indonesian population. The first session of interviews begin next week, with Mr Francis expecting to take three weeks to record the stories and history of six elders and family.
“Apart from chronologically documenting the invaluable involvement of the families Java and Malaysian descendants within Mackay, I hope to examine how their culture has evolved over time by also speaking to younger members of the family,” he said.
“These people came, or in some cases enslaved to Australia, in the 1800s to work on the cane fields, yet often we associate this labour force as solely being of South-Sea Islander descent.”.
“There are six generations of Indonesians currently living in Mackay and the family has grown to 300 strong members. We should also not forget our Malaysian Torres Strait Islander community who have an equal representation. Mrs Agnus Namok, for example, who has some 40 grandchildren.”.
“Although it is quite difficult to be the first to visually document their history, I hope photographs, stories and current traditional practices, should allow the viewer to gain a deeper understanding for their culture and involvement in forming Mackay’s history.”.
Mr Francis hoped the 45-minute documentary would raise the awareness of the contributions made by these people and support the need for more public acknowledgement of their presence in Mackay.
Former CQU multimedia students Patrice Summers and Candice Don together with May-Britt Mosshammer (camera) and Phil Page (sound) will form the team undertaking the project that is co-sponsored by Central Queensland University and a state and local government partnership in Regional Arts Development Fund.
Photo caption: Javanese-Indonesian-Malaysian descendent Rikki Kemp (left) is among those to be interviewed CQU digital moviemaker Martin Francis. Phil Page (sound) and May-Britt Mosshammer (camera) are among the team undertaking the project that will document the history of Mackay’s Indonesian population.