Harper Sercombe
A mural that celebrates the local Indigenous community in Broadmeadows has been unveiled.
The painting located on the Banksia Gardens housing estate was a collaborative effort between both Indigenous and non-Indigenous estate residents.
Banksia Gardens development coordinator Melodie Radatti said the community driven project was to address a need within the area to provide local Indigenous people with an acknowledgment of country for the building.
“We have a number of Indigenous families living [in the estate],” she said.“We got together a bunch of residents to brainstorm the design.
“Then our facilitating artist Louise Cormick put the final design together.”
Ms Radatti said the 12-week project demonstrates the amazing things that happen when the community comes together.
“It’s a wonderful, thriving community,” she said. “I really see art as a great opportunity for the community to come together, regardless of their skills.
“Each week we also had art activities for the younger children. It was just a great, great way for the community to get together.
“Sometimes the neighbourhood can have a bit of a bad reputation, but it really shows what amazing things can happen when a community comes together.”
Ms Radatti said the upcoming referendum on the Indigenous voice to parliament was an inspiration for the project.
“Our organisation obviously really supports the ‘yes’ vote,” she said.
“It all came together in a really timely fashion.”
Planning for another multicultural mural is underway with local artist and estate resident Emma Russell stepping into the lead artistic facilitator role.
