The Knox Children and Family Centre is always finding ways to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives into the learning program, so when deciding how to use an empty space at the entrance to the Centre in Wantirna South, it made perfect sense to install some Indigenous art.
Knox City Council commissioned Indigenous artist Amanda Wright. Based in Boronia, Amanda is a Palawa artist who comes from a family of artists.
Amanda's brief was to create a welcoming space, keeping the artwork simple and relating it to the early year's service and the community.
The artwork was unveiled ahead of NAIDOC Week (4-11 July) and the stunning mural fits the brief beautifully.
Central to Amanda's artwork is the word 'Wominjeka', the Woi-wurrung word for Welcome. The artwork also includes a butterfly which signifies the children emerging into butterflies, as well being an acknowledgement of the design of the building. Also represented in the artwork are the children that use the services at the centre.
This year's theme for NAIDOC Week is 'Heal Country' which invites us to embrace First Nations' cultural knowledge and understanding of Country.
For more information about NAIDOC Week, please visit https://www.naidoc.org.au/
