More than 150 Northern Beaches residents have been learning the ancient art of weaving as they create a large scale art installation to be unveiled at Queenscliff next week as part of the Guringai Festival and NAIDOC Week.

Residents, including students from local schools, have been meeting every week at Manly Community Centre since mid-May to create the colourful designs for the Weaving Bridges Project, working with Aboriginal artist and weaver Karleen Green.

Northern Beaches Council’s General Manager of Planning, Place and Community, David Kerr, said the artwork would be officially launched to the public on Tuesday, 4 July, with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony and performances.

“The theme for this year’s Guringai Festival is ‘Connections’, so we’ve invited people of all ages to connect with Aboriginal artist and weaver, Karleen Green through the Weaving Bridges Project.”

“The installation is quite spectacular and a fitting way to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with the whole community.”

Each part of the installation has been woven and crocheted with recycled materials creating individual circles made from repurposed objects, representing the many ‘connections’ in our lives.

The art of weaving has been passed down by Indigenous Australians for centuries and is traditionally used to create baskets, fishing nets and items for ceremonial purposes.

The artwork will hang on Stuart Somerville Bridge and will be officially launched at a function at Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club by the Co-Chair of the Guringai Festival, Caroline Glass Pattison.

The project has been coordinated by Northern Beaches Council, Manly Environment Centre, Manly Community Centre, Northern Beaches Aboriginal community members, Northside Community Forum Inc, Sanctuary Respite Centre and One Door Mental Health.