Turtle Tributes at Norfolk Wave

I felt privileged to be at the unveiling of the beautiful turtle sculptures at the Norfolk Wave on Thursday afternoon, 31 August 2023. The Turtle Sculptures were unveiled as a tribute to Gabrielle Beaumont and Michelle Hayes who were both leaders in reducing plastics, waste and encouraging others to join in the war on pollution and damage to the environment.

The community members gathered at the Norfolk Wave under the new covered driveway, as there was light drizzle when we all first arrived. I was so pleased I made it in time after a busy day, the P&O Pacific Explorer cruise ship, had stopped for the day with approximately 1700 passengers ashore.

Family and Friends shared speeches about the lives of Gab Beaumont and Michelle Hayes who both lead by example to reduce the use of plastics and teaching others to think before they purchased and used items which increase the rubbish we throw away. Thank you everyone for this very special tribute, celebrating two very special ladies. It was wonderful also following the stories of Norfolk Island Boomerang Bags, we can all feel proud to know we have reduced the use of thousands of plastic bags.

Artist, Margie Sampson, was here on Norfolk Island for the installation and unveiling of these Turtle Sculptures, and it was lovely to hear her talk about the sculptures she had created with the help of locals. The turtles were made from recycled plastics and other items which would normally be thrown away. Early in 2023, Margie held workshops, young and senior members of the Norfolk Island community gathered to learn new creative skills. The Norfolk Island community also donated colourful plastic lids and coffee pods along with other items which were sorted, some were melted, and these recycled items were crafted into lovely fish, and the beautiful turtles.

In Memory of Gabrielle Beaumont.

One of our beautiful Turtle Sculptures is named in honour of Gab, one of the Norfolk’s first plastic -free pioneers, and an all-round environmental warrior. We carry on her legacy through our work at the Norfolk Wave.

Thaenks f aklan Gab

In Memory of Michelle Hayes.

One of our beautiful Turtle Sculptures is named in honour of beautiful Michelle, a beloved teacher and environmental advocate, who is no longer with us, but has left a legacy that continues to grow.

Thaenks f aklan Michelle.

Next time you visit Norfolk Wave, the upgraded Norfolk Island Waste Management facility, which is now focused on recycling rubbish, you will see these beautiful Turtle Sculptures as you enter the entry driveway, they are mounted on the building walls. Plaques will also be added to the artwork, in acknowledgment of the dedication of Michelle Hayes and Gab Beaumont as environmental

advocates.

The Turtles will be a reminder to us all of Michelle’s and Gab’s inspiration to reduce our waste and reduce the use of plastics. Thank you, the Norfolk Island community and Margie Sampson for creating these amazing, recycled Turtle sculptures.

#NorfolkIsland #norfolkwave #turtles

Betty Matthews

September 2023