More than 300 people attended the official opening of the CQU sponsored 'St Joseph’s Home, Neerkol' art exhibition staged at the Ron Smyth Building in Rockhampton for artists Sunny Waldron and Julie Barratt last week.

The opening night was a time for family reunions, reflections and excellent reviews.

Those who attended the exhibition included Member for Keppel Vince Lester, Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow, representatives from the Sisters of Mercy, past residents of the orphanage and other art lovers.

The exhibition attracted positive media attention reflecting the artist’s aim to capture the history of Neerkol and the emotions of its residents.

The exhibition was curated and officially opened by CQU Art Collection Curator Deann Campbell and proudly supported by CQU Alumni manager Hollie Perren.

The artists believe the exhibition to be important both historically and socially with the series of contemporary ‘works on paper’ their tribute to all who lived at the orphanage.

Ms Barratt said she felt compelled to “release the spirits from within the walls of Neerkol and set free the memories and secrets that whisper in the crumbling buildings”.

“We wanted to give a voice to the extraordinary lives lived within the orphanage between 1885 and 1978,” Ms Barratt said.

Neerkol was a significant part of Central Queensland history. The orphanage housed up to 500 people at any one time including the workers who ran its cattle property, the nuns, the father and the children.

On display at the exhibition are artworks using various mediums along with a special collection of paintings by Sister Victorina Sant of the Sisters of Mercy, Rockampton.

The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm until January.

The exhibition has been made possible with the support from a RADF Grant, CQU, Central Queensland Institute of TAFE art department, Record Printing and all the people who shared their stories.

Photo: Artists Sunny Waldron and Julie Barratt.