Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this page contains the images and names of Aboriginal people who have passed away. These have been used with permission.
Image credit: Murtilyalujirri nyungurrangu yarnimarnapulujaninyi Panikatapa Wirlarra, Yirntirri (These two Murtilya boys made the stars, the moon and the milky way), 2024 animation still from a 1990 illustration by Solomon Cocky. Animation by Barbara Hale, Annie Huang and Vladimir Todorović.
THE
STRELLEY
MOB
TOURING 2025-27
Animation, historical archives, and rarely seen illustrations bring to life the story of the Strelley Mob and the enduring legacy of the 1946 Pilbara Strike.
In 1946, hundreds of Aboriginal pastoral workers from across the Pilbara walked off the stations in one of the first mass industrial strikes by First Nations people in Australia. Refusing to return to exploitative conditions, they established independent mining camps, gathered pearl shell, and formed self-sustaining communities.
The Strelley Mob are the descendants of these strikers—families who continued to live and work on their own terms. Central to this exhibition are the stories they told: histories of hunting, mining, organising, and resisting a hostile government. These were written, translated, and illustrated by Elders for their children when they opened their own school, in an act of cultural preservation and community education.
The Strelley Mob exhibition combines archival materials, newly created animations, and artworks spanning multiple generations. It offers an intimate look at a powerful chapter of Aboriginal self-determination and the cultural legacy that continues to thrive. Told through the lens of Nyangumarta knowledge and visual storytelling, this exhibition reconnects Country, history, and community.
CURATORS
Barbara Hale, Sharon Hale and Darren Jorgensen
ARTISTS, STORYTELLERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Allan Baker, Sam Beilby, Sambo Binna, Fred Rurla Bradman, Solomon Cocky, Esther Forest, Sam Fullbrook, Nyaparu (William) Gardiner, Tommy Gardiner, Barbara Hale, Monty Minyjun Hale, Sharon Hale, Annie Huang, Spearim Jimmy, Dimitri Kapetas, Noel McKenna, Don McLeod, Ginger Moogra, Rose Murray, Sarah Soulay, Donald Stuart, Maraya Takoniatis, Ian Taylor, Bruce Thomas, Nadja Todorović, Vladimir Todorović, Ian Wallis, James Wigley, Julie Ziegenhardt
Image credits: 1-3. Installation view, Courthouse Gallery. Image: Charismatic Photography | 4. Installation view, John Curtin Gallery, 2024. Image: Sharon Baker | 5. Solomon Cocky, Storybook drawings, 1982-1992. Courtesy of NOMADS Charitable and Educational Foundation | 6. Nyaparu (William) Gardiner, Nganana yanayirni Kuyikarti Mutukanga (We Went to get Meat in the Car), 1977. Transcribed by Monty Hale | 7. Noel McKenna, Waraja marrngu kanya majalu (One Man was Taken by the Boss), 1982. Illustration from Sambo Binna, transcribed by Monty Hale
WATCH
The following videos were filmed in the lead-up to the opening of The Strelley Mob exhibition in Port Hedland in October 2025. Special thanks to Vladimir Todorović for filming and editing, and to Barbara, Bruce and Rose for sharing their stories.
EDUCATION KIT
The Remembering the 1946 Pilbara Strike committee has developed a comprehensive education resource for Years 6 and 10 across HASS, English, and Visual Arts. Hosted by Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre, the materials are available to schools and educators, and complement the themes explored throughout this exhibition.
Click the titles below to find out more:
TOURING DETAILS FOR VENUES
| AVAILABILITY | July – September 2026; May – December 2027 |
| COST SHARE | Non-members: $4,500 + GST Members: $4,000 + GST |
| MEDIA | Archives, paintings, animation, documentary. |
| INSTALL REQUIREMENTS | 35 sqm floor space and 10 running meters of wall space required. AV works may be displayed using projectors (supplied by venue). ART ON THE MOVE provides TVs as an alternative. |
| INTERPRETATION MATERIALS | Exhibition intro panel, extended artwork labels. |
| LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT | Education Resource on the Pilbara Strike for Years 6 & 10 (HASS, English, Visual Arts) available online via Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre. Engagements can include artist/gallery talks (in person or online). Please enquire about the extended engagement program that invites your community to respond to the exhibition by sharing their own perspectives, stories, and creative expressions. |
| MARKETING | Marketing Kit includes high resolution photos, media release template, poster, invitation and invitation list |
TOUR ITINERARY
2025
October 30 — December 11
Courthouse Gallery+Studio
Port Hedland
Kariyarra Country
2026
October 24 — November 28
Katanning Art Gallery
Noongar Country
2027
February 20 — April 25
Geraldton Regional Art Gallery
Yamatji Country
HOST THIS EXHIBITION
Venues are invited to contact Exhibitions Touring Manager, Alex Fuller at exhibitions@artonthemove.art with your proposed dates to express interest in hosting this exhibition.
This tour is made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost with support from the WA Government and delivered by ART ON THE MOVE.
