The Eel, the Man and the Cave
(a dream story about Currumbin Rock-pools as told by Aunty Joyce Summers)
In the days of Dreaming, there lived a man who often
Went to the bank of a creek near his camp
On one occasion he went right into the water and
A large eel rose to the surface and swallowed the man.
For many day, he remained inside the body of the eel.
At length, the eel came to a cave under the water.
It entered the cave and laid down.
At once the man made his escape from the stomach
Of the eel. The man who was carried in the body of the eel
To the cave under water, has become the spirit of that cave,
And he still lives there up until this day.
On the eastern side of Gecko House a colourful mural tells an Aboriginal story of a man and an eel in Currumbin Creek. The mural was painted over 10 years ago by Aboriginal artist Megan Cope*, who wanted to illustrate a local story relevant to Gecko’s position on the bank of the Currumbin Creek. The story itself was told to Megan by Aunty Joyce Summers, a local elder and artist.
Over the years the original mural wore away from the impact of the many feet of Gecko members and visitors to Gecko House and its dilapidated state was a source of concern to members. Six months ago it was decided that something had to be done before this evocative artwork disappeared altogether.
Initially some young volunteers and Gecko members came along and started the process, but the detailed work was completed over a period of months by our fabulous House Care Coordinator, Lynne Hargreaves. She has done an amazing job and the mural is now a great asset to Gecko House as well as recognizing in some small way the legacy of the local Aboriginal people.
The paint for the restoration of the mural was generously donated by Rockcote who recognized the value of preserving this unique art work. Rockcote has been a generous supported of Gecko over many years when the House has needed care and maintenance. They are also an inspiration to all in the manner in which the company itself lives the sustainable life.
Rockcote is a Queensland owned company who blazes a trail as an innovator of life-enhancing architectural coatings. Rockcote’s range of renders, textured coatings, zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and clay plasters are designed to enhance architecture and provide healthy living spaces. Rockcote has always believed that sustainable business practices are good for the people within the company, the environment, the community and the profitability of the company.
Rockcote is also the proud developer of the Rockcote Design Centre in Nerang. This building was primarily created to showcase its range of architectural coatings. The result is a commercial industrial development designed and constructed with a passion for the environment and sustainability.
Rockcote is proud to be involved in the important community building, Gecko House. Rockcote’s zero VOC emission EcoStyle paint was used in a multitude of colours to create a mural that not only provides spectacular decoration to Gecko House, but also does no harm to the people and environment who are around to enjoy it.
To learn more about Rockcote’s range of zero VOC paint, EcoStyle, visit www.rockcote.com.au. To visit the Rockcote Design Centre, phone 07 5554 2100.
Megan Cope has continued her career as an artist and is now a lecturer at the Sunshine Coast University. Gecko will always be grateful to her for her contribution to the ambiance of Gecko House.
