POMBERUK REGIONAL ARTS MUSEUM

For anyone who ever caught the train to Melbourne, the refreshment rooms at Murray Bridge are a familiar sight. They were built in 1886 to provide a quick food and watering stop. Now the Heritage listed buildings have a new life. Just over a year ago the Pomberuk Arts Museum was created. It was initiated by aboriginal groups with help from an Australian Council grant. The resident artist is Jacob Stengle. He was born in Renmark to a Ngarrindjeri (narr-in-jerry) mother and a Czech father. His artistic mentor was the late Ainslie Roberts. Jacob's work often reflects the dreaming of the Coorong, but Jacob isn't the only artist whose work is displayed.

Nelly Rankin's "Pondie" is about the Ngarrindjeri legend of the Murray cod and the creation of the Murray Bridge area. Pomberuk is more than an art gallery - it is also a museum. Artefacts are on loan from the South Australian Museum. The gallery also stocks local crafts and writing. The Pomberuk regional Arts Museum is on Railway Terrace at Murray Bridge. It's open every day - except for Saturdays. Admission is a gold coin donation and tours can be arranged. For more information you can phone the Museum on 08 8531 1999 or email info@postcards-sa.com.au