See rare footage of Tweed’s early days
1923 film ‘Travelogue of the Tweed’ screening as part of Tweed River Festival
Rare moving images of the Tweed River and surrounding districts will be shown at a special screening of the historic film Travelogue of the Tweed 1923 at Murwillumbah ’s Regent Cinema on Wednesday 28 October. The movie, made available through the National Film Archive, is being shown as part of Tweed River Festival celebrations and shows footage from the early days of the valley ’s European history.
Council ’s Senior Program Leader – Waterways, Tom Alletson, said the 12-minute film was comprised of silent black and white footage showing recognisable landscapes from Terranora to Limpinwood, including footage of river banks taken from a steamer.
“This film confirms the central role that the river has played in the life of Tweed residents and visitors from our earliest times,” Mr Alletson said. The screening will be complemented by a series of presentations on the river ’s history and role in the Tweed, provided from the perspective of local Aboriginal people, through the eyes of an artist and by Tweed Regional Museum. “We aim to present a timeline of the river ’s role in the Tweed community,from the river ’s history as a key transport route to present day work that Council undertakes with the community to protect the river and our unique flora and fauna,” Mr Alletson said.
Council ’s Community Development Officer – Aboriginal, Rob Appo, said aboriginal people have always had a special relationship with the river and waterways. “The rivers and floodplains of the Tweed are particularly important to the traditional cultural beliefs and practices of the Aboriginal community,” Mr Appo said.
Andy Remanis from Caldera Art Gallery began researching and painting the working wharves of 1915 Murwillumbah, after being inspired by the discovery of old wharf piles during the redevelopment of Budd Park in 2013. His painting is nearing completion and on the night he will share insight into the wharves depicted in his river-scape. “By painting this historical river-scape in colour I hope to bring to life some of the scenery and structures, as well as some of the people who traveled by steam boat on the Tweed River,” Mr Remanis said.
“The reference images for this painting,kindly researched by the Tweed Regional Museum and the Historical Society have revealed so many fascinating stories of what life may have been like in that era.”
The screening will start at 7pm but attendees are invited to arrive by 6.45pm to purchase refreshments and take a seat before the program commences. The event is free but bookings are essential on (02) 6670 2400. For more information, contact Council ’s Senior Program Leader – Waterways, Tom Alletson, on (02) 6670 2577 or 0406 380 893.
