Art books return to Cherbourg

The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, has helped "Porci" find its way back to Cherbourg.

"Porci" is a character in books that Cherbourg State School students proudly wrote and produced, and presented to the Governor to be displayed at Government House.

Her Excellency, the Governor, said she was sad to see "Porci" go but immensely proud of the students' work and treasured her involvement with the Cherbourg Art Program.

"In 2006 I was invited to Cherbourg to visit the art school. It was a marvellous day. Aunty Honor came with me. She talked to me in the car about growing up in Cherbourg. I felt privileged to go there with her, to meet the elders, to see the history, the Ration shed, to watch the school dance troupe, to meet the artists, present the prizes. The joyousness and pride and achievement!

"I was asked to be the custodian of these gorgeous art books during the summer vacation – what an honour, what a delight but what a responsibility. My favourite is “Hunting Porci”. Just a glimpse into it.

"I have had enormous pleasure showing them to all my callers, the Premier, The Chief Justice, Teachers, Nurses, Ambassadors, Archbishops, Ships’ Captains. I took one to the Children’s Hospital. I have loved them, worried about looking after them – imagine if anything happened to one!

"Now it is time to hand them back. Time for them to go home. These great books need great care. They are part of Cherbourg history, part of Queensland history."

The handback was made at a ceremony on 28 March 2007 at the Governor's residence in Brisbane.

Students also presented another artwork to the Governor: a set of carved and decorated emu eggs.

Cherbourg's young achievers were also taken on a tour of the Governor's residence, and learnt some of the long history of Government House.