Yesterday afternoon the magnificent new mural outside the Student Services building was officially launched.
Eboni Kerr, First Nations Coordinator, gave the Acknowledgement of County and explained, “the mural stands as a visual reminder of the richness of Aboriginal Culture—the oldest continuing culture in the world—and of our shared responsibility to honour, respect and walk together in the spirit of reconciliation.”
She reminded families, staff and other guests of the power of art to bring people together—”because it invites us to listen, to reflect, and to learn.”
The mural’s artists, Ally Charles, a Dja Dja Wurrung & Yorta Yorta woman, and Tammy Nancarrow, a Gunai Kurnai woman, depict students’ journeys through this place—and include the well-recognised symbols of kangaroo prints, message sticks and shields in the work.
Sympathetic to BSSC’s college colours, the real heart of this artwork is its celebration of BSSC as a gathering place. Principal Kylie Hand echoed this sentiment.
“It’s so important to ensure we symbolically demonstrate the high level of inclusion we value so highly here.
“Students come from so many places to BSSC, and we want all our students—and especially our First Nations families—to experience our college as a culturally safe and welcoming place.”
As the plaque beneath the mural explains, the images powerfully represent an invitation to live in community with each other in a supportive, inspiring, protective, and guiding manner.
This visual treasure is an enduring way to celebrate both BSSC’s constant efforts towards inclusion and support for reconciliation, and a recognition and reminder that every footstep we take at BSSC always was and always will be on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
