Painted on Darug Country

Medium: Aerosol and acrylic paint on brick.

This design was created for Bankstown Senior College to celebrate the school’s diverse community and natural environment. Featuring notable elements of the Dharug Country and flags representative of their community, the quote “no one belongs here more than you” threads the design together.

The gymea lily - a flower used in a multitude of ways - is the centrepiece of the mural. The gymea lily stem is used as a food source, the leaves are used as painting brushes and mats; hence reprsenting a place of gathering and/or rest.

Purple coral pea is seen weaved through the gymea lily petals. Purple coral pea is a women’s business plant that can be brewed into a tea and used for period pain. Golden wattle borders the lily, a symbol of unity for Australia’s green and gold. Golden wattle is also known to grow after a fire, helping to regenerate the soil - like a cleansing.

A nearby notable feature of Dharug Nation is Tucoerah/Toggeria/Tuggerah River (Georges River). The inclusion of this important waterway signifies connecting of communities and highlights a significant part of our ecosystem. The Tucoerah/Toggeria/Tuggerah River has acted as a life and food source for people of the Dharug Nation for tens of thousands of years, and will continue to do so for many more to come.

The Aboriginal flag, Torres Strait Islander flag and Progress Pride flag are included to welcome and create a safe space for all students, teachers and visitors to the school.