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Gordon Syron To Thank SBS & Promote Keeping Place

Please join us in true spirit on Thursday, the 12th of February, where Uncle Gordon Syron, an Elder from the Worimi and Biripi Nations is congratulating SBS on the documentary series "First Australians" by donating a painting. This painting is similar to the painting that saw Syron win the "COFA Professional 2008 NSW Parliamentary Prize for Indigenous Art" reads this media release from the Keeping Place Committee.

On the eve of the anniversary of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008, a group is gathering in Redfern to commemorate the one-year anniversary of this historic occasion.   It also the eve of an ever approaching eviction for Uncle Gordon and Aunty Elaine Syron, who live in a shed in Redfern alongside one of the most precious and unique collections of Indigenous contemporary art.

They have spent the last 30 years collecting Aboriginal art and cultural material, determined to save it from the hands of private collectors.  This collection currently contains 1,300 paintings from over 450 different Indigenous artists, 30 years of largely unpublished photographs of Indigenous artists, history, culture and political struggles plus a range of other cultural and historical material.

A handful of Indigenous people from all different professions are working tirelessly to try to establish a 'Keeping Place' with this collection as a foundation.   Though support for this is trickling in - it is a 'Sorry' state of affairs that Uncle Gordon and Aunty Elaine are left in there without proper support and are at risk of losing all their assets and everything they have worked for.

PLEASE NOTE - We hope that this event will bring awareness and help raise much needed cash to cover living costs for the Syron's who receive no government support and are virtual prisoners guarding this collection in a hot shed in Redfern. Donations will be appreciated. RSVP not necessary.

Viewing of this collection is by request only. For an appointment to preview The Keeping Place please call Gordon on 0421031392.

Performance Invitation
Please join us for an evening of entertainment. You and a guest are invited to a performance on 12 February at 6:15, for a 6:30 start at 499 Wilson St Darlington (on map) next to fire station and one street behind the Redfern train station.

  • Ken Canning, Poet, teacher & political activist will start the evening off by reciting a poem.
  • Nadeena Dixon will sing "Aboriginal Land" and will be accompanied by dancers.
  • A performance by local hip-hop artists, Wire MC and Choo Choo.
  • Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor, musician and performer will entertain us with a poem.
  • Gordon Syron will give a tribute to Chicka Dixon, Respected Elder & Political Activist - Official Patron of The Keeping Place.
  • Surprise Performers. 
  • PRESENTATION TO SBS - In Honour of the Makers of the Historical 'FIRST AUSTRALIANS' series.

For More Information contact: Josephine Cashman 0400 420 674 from the Keeping Place Commttee.