In Conversation Series

Join us every second Saturday in May for an in conversation series at Queensland Museum Kurilpa. This series of talks offers a deeper exploration into the stories, contributions, and creative expressions that have shaped the Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islander exhibition on display now at the museum. Each panel will discuss the powerful legacy and rich heritage of the Australian South Sea Islander community and their role and identities within them.

Choose to attend one conversation event or bundle all three events in the series for a ticket discount.

In Conversation with Mal Meninga
11am – 12pm | Saturday 3 May 2025

Kicking off the series is an inspiring discussion featuring Australian rugby league icon Mal Meninga. Join us as Mal shares his personal journey, insights into his heritage, and the profound influence of the South Sea Islander community on his life and career. This conversation will feature anecdotes, reflections, and a celebration of cultural pride.

In Conversation with the Exhibition Curators
11am – 12pm | Saturday 17 May 2025

Gain exclusive insights into the making of the Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islander exhibition from the talented curatorial team behind it. Imelda Miller, Dr Geraldine Mate, Olivia Robinson, and Logan Bobongie will share their experiences, culture, challenges, and the creative processes. This panel offers a unique opportunity to learn about the vision and community practises that went into showcasing the Australian South Sea Islander story.

In Conversation with the Exhibition Artists
1:30pm – 2:30pm | Saturday 31 May 2025

This engaging panel includes artists Dylan Mooney, Kyra Mancktelow, and Joella Warkill, whose works all feature in the Say Our Name: Australia South Sea Islander exhibition. Hear firsthand about their artistic journeys, inspirations, and the significance of their contributions to the exhibition and their lives as Australian South Sea Islander artists in a broader context. This panel will delve into the intersection of art and cultural identity, providing a profound exploration of creativity and heritage.

Acknowledgements

Queensland Museum extends respect and gratitude to the Australian South Sea Islander community for sharing their stories with us. We extend our respects to Elders of the Australian South Sea Islander community who have made significant contributions to our community’s cultural fabric and worked hard to increase awareness and visibility of Australian South Sea Islander histories, heritage and experiences.

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian South Sea Islander visitors are advised that this event series may contain images and accounts of people who have passed away. We also advise that any racist and derogatory language contained in the exhibition is ‘of its time’ and does not reflect the contemporary views of Queensland Museum.