The Cairns Convention Centre recently reopened after a $13m refurbishment to celebrate 20 successful years of operation. As part of the celebrations a special gift was created 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.
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Wayne McGuinness – Artist/Sculptor, Aboriginal Steel Art
Manta rays made of steel salvaged from the Cairns Convention Centre’s roof
For further information contact
Ross Steele
General Manager
Cairns Convention Centre
T: (07) 4042 4200 intl code (617)
F: (07) 4052 1152 intl code (617)
E: [email protected]
W: www.cairnsconvention.com.au
07 November 2016
A Queensland Government initiative operated by ASM Global
About ASM Global
ASM Global is a joint venture between Australia-based venue management interests and AEG Facilities of the United States.
ASM Global manages venues throughout the Asia Pacific region, including convention centres in Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Kuala Lumpur, Oman, Hyderabad (currently in design), International Convention Centre Sydney (opening December 2016), and the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island; Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane; and arenas including the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and adjacent Sports Centre, Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, and Perth Arena. ASM Global is also the owner of National Basketball League (NBL) team, the Sydney Kings. asmglobal.com
In addition, AEG Facilities operates the Los Angeles Convention Centre, Hawaii Convention Centre, and Puerto Rico Convention Centre. aegworldwide.com
