Art trail by Worimi artist Tyson Jolly launches at Jimmys Beach Reflections

Reflections Holiday Parks has partnered with Crown Lands on an Aboriginal Tourism Experiences Pilot Program to deliver a raft of cultural activities in Reflections Parks, working with Aboriginal organisations.

The success of the program, which includes activities such as bush tucker gardens and creative workshops, will be celebrated with the launch of an art trail created by Worimi artist Tyson Jolly at Reflections Jimmys Beach on Friday, September 1.

Reflections is a Crown Land Manager that cares for 9,300 hectares of public land (94% of it is nature reserve, the rest where its holiday parks operate) and reinvests all profits back into reserves and parks in its care.

The Pilot Program is a part of Reflections’ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the first of four RAPs endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

The Reflect RAP is aligned to Reflections’ 2030 strategic plan, which cites a strong commitment to reconciliation, and includes a target to expand a visitor experience program within Reflections parks that delivers social, cultural, and economic value to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

RAP outcomes include partnerships between Reflections and local Aboriginal Communities and Native Title Holders in 37 Reflections parks located in 12 Nations:Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Birpai, Worimi, Awabakal, Darkinjung, Yuin, Kamilaroi, Wonnarua, Wiradjuri and Ngunawal

Reflections’ CEO Nick Baker said the RAP and Pilot Program had grown cultural awareness with Park guests and among staff, who will also have the opportunity for cultural training.

“What I’d like to see in every single park is that we have a relationship with the local communities and Indigenous operators that offer experiences that they want to share with our guests,” Mr Baker said.

The Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington, said the cultural art trail at Jimmys Beach was an exciting initiative that would have many benefits locally and beyond.

“Reflections’ Cultural Tourism Program, and especially the beautiful art trail, will help visitors and locals alike, connect with the local Aboriginal culture, community, and Country. It’s a great initiative that’s good for the local economy and strengthens our community,” Ms Washington said.

Reflections’ cultural tourism initiatives are steered by Aboriginal Engagement Officer and Githabul Bundjalung Woman Cheryl Newton.

Ms Newton has been establishing relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the Crown land sites managed by Reflections to develop a range of cultural immersion and tourism experiences for guests.