Cyclone Trevor causes havoc at Lockhart River Art Centre

Cyclone Trevor crossed the Cape York Peninsula coast and hit the community of Lockhart River at great speed and force on Tuesday 19 March 2019. Gale force winds of more than 130km/h were recorded, and lasted for over six hours, terrifying residents and causing much destruction across the community. The Lockhart River Art Centre suffered substantial damage to three of its buildings. Roller doors on the artwork storage shed were dramatically ripped apart showing the force of the storm.

The art centre estimates the damage to ceramics and paintings, as well as office equipment and technology could reach $20,000. Luckily everything was insured, assessors visited in April, and building works commenced in May to repair buildings. While this is a significant setback for the Lockhart River Art Centre, members have remained positive and are focussed on the future by continuing to make new artworks with the current facilities. Cyclones, flooding and wet season storm damage is a reality that many of the IACA Indigenous Art Centres must face each year, and they do so with resilience and a positive attitude which is truly inspiring.