KYABRAM P-12 College unveiled a stunning mural by local indigenous leader Neva Atkinson last week.
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The Victorian Government-funded project joins an indigenous garden at the front of the school and is an impressive visual declaration of an ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
It took Ms Atkinson four weeks to complete and represents the towns and waterways surrounding the school.
The Wollithica elder hopes it will serve to engage students with local indigenous culture and history, and develop an understanding of Australia’s first peoples.
“My hope is that this mural gives indigenous students a sense of belonging,” she said.
“It is an aerial view of the land from Echuca, through Kyabram, to Shepparton.
“Each circle represents a town and the kidney bean shapes around the circle are the communities sitting cross-legged together.
“The emu footprints represent our totem, and the river runs through the whole mural because it is our life source.
“It shows that all life is connected.”
Secondary college principal Todd Woodfine said the mural would help indigenous students feel supported and engaged.
“It shows us the connections we have to country, and helps students understand the significance of the land we are on,” he said.
Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh was also there for the official opening, and said he would like to see indigenous history feature more prominently in the school curriculum.
“This mural is a powerful message of connection and is an important step toward reconciliation,” he said.
Ms Atkinson agreed.
She said that reconciliation has to be acted on rather than just spoken about.
“I hope this mural serves as a reminder that we as a people have something to teach you,” Ms Atkinson said.
“Look at it and know it has great meaning and significance.”
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