The exhibition was officially opened by Jeremy Sutherland, Area Manager for Wesfarmers Federation Insurance Ltd who are the major sponsors for the event.  "WFI is delighted to be associated with this event and to host the Opening" Jeremy said.    

'mallee landscape' showcased the new works of the Ongerup Art Group, an informal gathering of great southern artists   including Rosemary Powell, Bronwyn Gaze, Jo Hemley, Sharyn Pither, Gaye Fisher, Helen Farrington, Sharon Dawson, Deborah Badger and Margaret Jones from the small rural communities of Ongerup, Borden, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup and Pingrup.  Five of the works were sold at the Opening including purchases by WFI which underpinned their commitment to supporting rural community pursuits.  

David Bowden, Sales Manager from Fonty's Pool Wines of Manjimup and exclusive wine supplier to Yongergnow, gave a wine tasting at the exhibition and also spoke of the excellence of the Yongergnow Centre. " You've got something special here" he said.  "Yongergnow is an amazing centre and it has a wonderful future".  

The exhibition is part of the Bendigo Bank southern Art & Craft Trail and was attended by Trail Coordinator Annette Grant and partner Tim Newbold.   Yongergnow Board members Len van der Wag, Judith O'Neill and Jan Savage, Gnowangerup Shire President Ken Pech, Vice President Kerry Stone and Councilor Fiona Gaze also attended.  

Complementing this exhibition of new works is a feature exhibition of the work of renowned wildlife artist, Philippa Nikulinsky.  Philippa Nikulinsky is one of the most celebrated wildlife artists living in Western Australia and her particular interest is in flora and fauna which survive in harsh environments.  Philippa's work has appeared in many exhibitions throughout Australia and she has received numerous major public and corporate commissions throughout Australia and overseas.  

Yongergnow is privileged to be able to show a collection of large Australian native flora Philippa Nikulinsky paintings because of the generosity of former Ongerup residents through their private collection.  

Not only is the art exhibition creating great excitement at Yongergnow.  The resident mallefowl have begun  mound building inside the large mallee bushland aviary and for malleefowl enthusiasts the knowledge that this could possibly lead to a successful mound in which eggs may be laid and chicks hatched, is also bringing cautious optimism.  

Alan Dennings, Chairman of the Mallefowl Preservation Group who run their organization from Yongergnow, said " It is incredibly exciting to think we have two young birds who have adapted to their captive environment so quickly and have begun building a mound.  It is very reassuring to see that the mallefowl are happy and responding so well to this newly created habitat".  

The mallee bushland surrounding the Yongergnow Centre is currently alive with wildflowers and in particular many orchid species. There are designated walking trails through this bush which feature many of the local orchid species. With the delightful Ongerup Wildflower Display currently on at the Ongerup Museum, it's a perfect time to take a drive through the Stirling Ranges to Ongerup to take in the wonderful display of wildflowers.  

Yongergnow's facilities include a modern cafe with a tranquil outlook to the natural bushland, 'Fowl Play' - the interpretive display, gallery, gift shop and easy bushwalking trails.  Yongergnow is open seven days a week from 10am until 4pm.  The 'mallee landscape' exhibition runs from 25 September until 12 October 2008.

Further information & images (see Gallery):

Ellen Milne
9827 9209
0427 279 241
ellen@eventuate.net.au