Students at Ilim College are hoping a mosaic they created with the help of the Aboriginal community and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) will promote harmony and respect.
The Connection to Country mosaic was unveiled by Victorian Governor Linda Dessau at a ceremony at the school’s Dallas girl’s secondary campus on July 14 to mark Naidoc Week.
Campus principal Zeynep Sertel said the project followed a visit to the Islamic Museum by students earlier in the year, where they learnt about the interactions between Indigenous communities and Afghani cameleers who arrived in Australia in the 1860s.
The mosaic, on display at the entrance to the assembly hall, depicts Islamic and Aboriginal art, Uluru, and the Australian and Islamic flags. It also features cameleers and a man playing the didgeridoo.
Executive principal Aynur Simsirel said the mosaic celebrated the contribution of the cameleers to Australia’s culture.
“It enables the community and college to learn something about each other,” she said.
“Each piece [of the mosaic] paved the way for meaningful connections. The mosaic will serve as a beautiful reminder of the country we call home.”
AFP spokeswoman Dr Jenny Cartwright said the project had helped police to better connect with the students.
