Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) is celebrating the launch of ‘Then and Now’, a portable history exhibition that celebrates Gladstone’s water supply.
At the launch event at the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre at the Gladstone Marina on the morning of Thursday 26 October, well-known historian and Gladstone local, Paulette Flint, will deliver a speech about the region’s rich history.
The ‘Then and Now’ exhibition, consisting of seven double-sided panels, features stories and interviews, historical photos and illustrations depicting the first 50 years of GAWB.
In line with GAWB’s 50-year tagline ‘our water story, is your water story’, the exhibition is broken down into several key water stories: Indigenous Australia, European discovery, community, construction of water infrastructure, and industry.
GAWB Chief Executive Officer, Darren Barlow, said he’s thrilled to bring the ‘Then and Now’ project to the community.
“Our goal was to create an interesting and informative display that shines a light on the essential role water has played in the development and growth of our region for hundreds, if not thousands, of years,” Mr Barlow said.
“While Gladstone Area Water Board is celebrating 50 years of operation this year, we know that Gladstone’s water story began well before GAWB was created, and we’re incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to play a role in the history of our region.
“We hope the community and tourists alike enjoy discovering our water story and how safe and reliable water services have propelled the growth of this region.”
GAWB Chair, Adrienne Ward, said the launch of ‘Then and Now’ is certainly the jewel in the crown of 50th anniversary celebrations.
“Our 50th year in 2023 has been jam-packed full of celebrations but this project holds a special place in the calendar, as we celebrate the many water stories in our region,” Ms Ward said.
“From conception to design, these panels tell not just the GAWB story but also the story of water across the region and the whole Gladstone community. “As people explore this display, we hope they feel a strong sense of connection to what we have created because ultimately, ‘Our water story, is your water story’.”
The exhibition will embark on a 12-month roadshow around different venues in Gladstone and Calliope.
