Caroline Hammat
The children of Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre (GSELC) have undertaken a 12-month journey with Boandik elder Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr, resulting in the unveiling of a living art mural.
Titled Learning on Boandik Country, the children have worked with GSELC educators, and Aunty Michelle who designed the mural, to complete the interactive and Indigenous-themed artwork.
Greeting people at the entrance to the centre, the mural reflects the region and the children’s own journey to the centre which is represented by a large circle.
Smaller painted circles are ngulas, meaning home, and the children’s painted footprints connect the two.
The children helped paint the mural and its interactive elements, and pulled weeds from the garden bed.
“It’s a living mural because the children have to come out and change the painted flowers out seasonally,“ Aunty Michelle said.
“We’ve got to put the emu eggs out when they are laying eggs, and then they take the eggs away and the chicks will come out.“
Last Thursday the community was invited to join the children for the project’s official opening.
Wattle Range Council mayor Des Noll, councillor John Drew and director corporate services and deputy chief executive officer Paul Duka attended the opening.
The children welcomed attendees with an acknowledgement of Country, and Aunty Michelle led a smoking ceremony and welcome before she spoke about the mural’s development.
Director of the centre Clara Walker said: “We chose today for the launch because it is harmony day and inclusive of all people. We think the project is spectacular and was finished just at the right time.“
The mural includes Mount Muirhead and animals which reflect the koala, wombat, wallaby and emu rooms at the centre.
“It’s a living mural and Aunty Michelle will continue to come back and update it with the changing of the flowers and the changing of the seasons“ Ms Walker said.
“She will continue expanding the children’s knowledge.“
Following the official opening, the children had their faces painted by Aunty Jenny Bishop and families enjoyed a sausage sizzle provided by the GSELC Parent Committee and coffee provided by Cooney and Co.
A progress video of the mural has been shared on Aunty Michelle’s YouTube channel.
