Cairns Convention Centre shares a slice of history

Recently reopened after a $13 million refurbishment and celebrating 20 successful years of operation, the Cairns Convention Centre has created a special gift for partners and clients.

Steel which was removed from the Centre’s roof during refurbishment work was salvaged and made into sculptures by Aboriginal Steel Art, a local indigenous business.

Wayne McGinness the artist, usually works with marine grade steel, but on this occasion he had to design a piece made from corrugated roof steel. Using the curve of the corrugations, he created beautiful Manta Rays.

Manta Rays can be found along the Australian East Coast, and are listed as one of the ‘Great 8’ must-see creatures of the Great Barrier Reef.

They are also a food source for some Torres Strait Island People, where they are known as ‘Thupmul’ in Kala Lagaw Ya (Western Torres Strait) language.

The gift made from the Centre’s 20 year old roof provides a piece of history and a thank you to the many partners and clients who have been an integral part of the Cairns Convention Centre’s 20 successful years.

Images: Manta rays made of steel salvaged from the Cairns Convention Centre’s roof (top) and artist/sculptor Wayne McGuinness at work (below).

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