Two new exhibitions explore Butchulla history & future
Published on 04 June 2026
- Two new exhibitions exploring Butchulla history and culture are open now at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.
- Finding Eliza challenges historical myths and misconceptions about Butchulla people.
- Tracks celebrates the creativity and cultural knowledge of young Indigenous artists.
Two powerful new exhibitions exploring Butchulla history and connection to Country are now open at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.
Fraser Coast Regional Council Arts spokesperson Cr Sara Faraj said the exhibition offers an opportunity for the community to engage with First Nations stories, perspectives and creativity.
“Finding Eliza revisits the story of Eliza Fraser and examines how her account of surviving the 1836 Stirling Castle shipwreck shaped conversations about the Batcheller people,” she said.
“Developed in collaboration with Aboriginal lawyer, writer and filmmaker Professor Larissa Behrendt and renowned Badtjala/Butchulla artist Dr Fiona Foley, the exhibition challenges damaging historical portrayals of Butchulla people and re-examines colonial myths and assumptions.
“The exhibition marks ten years since the publication of Larissa Behrendt’s book Finding Eliza: Power and Colonial Storytelling and puts into context the return of Fraser Island to its traditional name, K’gari.
“Hervey Bay Regional Gallery will host artworks on loan from Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney – two paintings from Sidney Nolan’s iconic Eliza Fraser series and Fiona Foley’s renowned photographic series, Badtjala Woman (1994).
“These exhibitions provide an opportunity for our community to engage with history, celebrate culture and gain a deeper understanding of the stories and perspectives that continue to shape our region.
Cr Faraj said Tracks celebrates the achievements of young Indigenous creatives and cultural custodians while exploring the footprints they follow and the new pathways they are forging.
“Tracks showcases traditional and contemporary artforms alongside interactive experiences designed to deepen connection to Country and culture,” she said.
“Featured artists include Zartisha Davis (Kabi Kabi, Butchulla and Cobble Cobble), Tori-Jay Mordey (Torres Strait Islander, Meriam, Dauareb and Maluilgal, Wakaid), Kaile Clarke (Butchulla, Woppaburra, Gunditjmara), along with collaborative community works.
“Both exhibitions will remain on display until Sunday 16 August 2026.”
For more information, including opening hours, go to https://www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/Hervey-Bay-Regional-Gallery