Organisations are encouraged to show their commitment to and support for reconciliation by sponsoring a banner through the Reconciliation Week Street Banner Project.
Applications are now open to sponsor a banner, which will be on display across 24 banner sites around Western Australia. This year, 504 banners are available for organisations to sponsor as part of Reconciliation Week.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries co-ordinates the Street Banner Project, partnering with local councils and sponsors to display the banners in prominent locations across WA.
This year's banner features stunning artwork by Aboriginal artist Tee Jay (Thomas) Worrigal, who was born in Derby and raised at Yiyili on Gooniyandi country, and now lives in Perth.
He was taught to paint by many family elders and sees his art practice as an important way to pass on knowledge and continue cultural tradition. His artwork references the burning of country, rebirth, regrowth and beauty.
Tee Jay's artwork was exhibited at the 2019 Revealed: Emerging Aboriginal Artist exhibition.
The graphic design of the banner is by WA Aboriginal designer Jilalga Murray. Ms Murray is a Nyangumarta and Yorta Yorta woman who now lives in Noongar country.
National Reconciliation Week is celebrated across Australia from May 27, 2020 to June 3, 2020. This year's reconciliation message is 'In this Together', with everyone having a role to play in reconciliation, and in building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.
The State Government is inviting organisations to show their support and commitment to reconciliation by sponsoring a banner. Banners start from as little as $350 and will feature the artwork, this year's reconciliation message and the sponsor organisation logo.
Applications can be made online at http://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au until March 27, 2020.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"Reconciliation Week provides a great opportunity to build relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the spirit of reconciliation.
"Together we can build greater mutual understanding, respect and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, histories, achievements, arts and culture.
"I encourage organisations to show their commitment to reconciliation by sponsoring a banner through the Reconciliation Week Street Banner Project, which also promotes WA Aboriginal art, design and small businesses."
As stated by WA Aboriginal artist Tee Jay Worrigal:
"I named my painting Gooniyandi Riwya, it means, my country, my homeland.
"What I've put on canvas is the vast colours of our country, the rebirth, the burning of country, which is tradition in Aboriginal culture.
"As an individual you have to continuously learn about our culture, this can bring us together to have more acknowledgement and more understanding."
Banner sites are available in the following local government areas:
City of Perth, City of Armadale, Town of Bassendean, Shire of Broome, City of Bunbury, City of Cockburn, Shire of Exmouth, City of Gosnells, City of Greater Geraldton, Shire of Harvey, City of Kalamunda, City of Kalgoorlie Boulder, City of Mandurah, Town of Port Hedland, City of Rockingham, City of South Perth, City of Swan, City of Subiaco, City of Victoria Park, City of Vincent.
