About the Living Knowledge Project
The Living Knowledge Project is a partnership between Devonport Library and local palawa people.
At its heart, the project is a year-long residency program, offering a platform for Tasmanian Aboriginal people to share their personal journeys through the ancient art of yarning and storytelling. 13 palawa Elders and knowledge holders will be in residence at Devonport Library over a 12 month period, beginning in June 2024.
In a local library setting traditionally associated with the written word, this initiative represents a groundbreaking opportunity to integrate oral traditions and Tasmanian Aboriginal perspectives into the mosaic of knowledge dissemination, information access, learning and connection.
About Uncle Beau
Uncle Beau is a 55 year old pakana man from the North West Coast region. He is a family man and father of four children with six beautiful grandchildren. He did not have a great experience within Tasmanian schools due to racism and a lack of understanding surrounding his cultural values that were gifted to him by his grandparents.
His grandmother Irene Thomas was born on (Great) Chappell Island on the eastern side of Flinders Island, and his grandfather Lloyd Mansell who was born on Babel Island on the island’s west coast.
Uncle Beau identifies as a Cape Barren Islander, trawlwoolway waypa, minamata, bunurong and Irish. He descends from bungunna limini – mannalargenna.
He is an adult learner and gained the bulk of his education at TasTAFE in Burnie in his mid-twenties.
He is currently writing a book of yarns about his life as a child who spent time in children’s institutions, foster care and as a ward of the state due to his culture and identity.
He is a family historian and currently studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History at the University of Tasmania.
Uncle Beau is a role model for young Aboriginal children by showing them that it’s never too late to get an education. He exemplifies the pakana spirit of resilience and is a man that the North West Aboriginal community turn to for support and guidance.
He is also one of our best yarners and we encourage people to come along to learn and interact with one of the leaders of the Aboriginal community on the North West Coast of Tasmania.
To ensure a successful event, please:
• Don't attend if you are unwell
• Let us know if you can’t attend so we can offer your place to someone else
• Practice COVID safe behaviours
• Let us know if you have any support needs, or if a support person will be coming with you.
Accessibility:
• The multi-level car park (corner of Best Street and Fenton Way) provides disabled access parking, lift access and flat walking surfaces between the car park and the paranaple centre. Council parking fees apply.
• Entrance to the paranaple centre is via automatic doors at both Market Square and Rooke Street entrances. The Market Square entrance offers universal access and is available at the touch of a button, providing ease for patrons with access difficulties.
• Inside the paranaple centre, Devonport Library is located on both ground and first floors. Escalators, lifts and stairs are available to take you between the two floors. A parent and child room is situated on the ground floor and accessible toilets are available on all floors.
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