General News
24 June, 2024
Kinder’s new Indigenous mural unveiled
Kids at a local kindergarten have had their stories memorialised through a new Indigenous mural — with the artwork prominently displayed at the front entrance to welcome families into the space. The piece at Californian Gully Kindergarten was...
Kids at a local kindergarten have had their stories memorialised through a new Indigenous mural — with the artwork prominently displayed at the front entrance to welcome families into the space.
The piece at Californian Gully Kindergarten was unveiled to the public last week, following months of creative labour by Dja Dja Wurrung and Bangerang Aboriginal artist Kerri Douglas.
Created across four panels, the 2.4 metre mural was made collaboratively, in consultation with local Indigenous families, children and staff.
As the designs continued to evolve into the final piece, kids were introduced to the various symbols contained within the mural — which includes a representation of different people coming together, with their tracks all leading to the meeting place — Californian Gully Kindergarten.
According to Ms Douglas, who is also a former local, the mural represents an important step forward.
“As a person who grew up in Maryborough, there wasn’t a lot of recognition for Aboriginal people so I think it’s significant when community members want to honor that connection [to Country],” she said.
“I’m really proud to be part of this project and to see it all put together — it’s absolutely amazing.”
The kindergarten’s director and teacher Karen Reeves said the mural was a product of a desire to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in the kinder’s program.
“I’m overwhelmed with the outcome, it just stands out,” she said.
“We’re really passionate about celebrating Indigenous culture, and to be able to tie that in for some of our Indigenous families and make better connections was very important to us.”
