First Nations art reflects Pinarc’s community

A SPECIALLY commissioned First Nations artwork has been unveiled in the foyer of Pinarc in Lucas.

Visually representing the disability support service’s clients, community, and aim to be ‘with you all the way,’ the acrylic painting has been created by Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker, and is called Koling wada-ngal, or Let us walk together.

Oldaker said she based the artwork on the idea of a journey, and people being on that path together.

“It’s one of my most proud pieces I’ve ever created,” she said. “There are some key symbols I’ve used throughout the piece.

“Wadawurrung people were known as the water tribe, due to our harmony with nature and resourcefulness, using rivers as both our food and water source, so there are representations of the water element.

“The main focus are the symbols for meeting place. As you move through the artwork, you move through the journey.

“Traditional U shapes symbolise people, the arrows symbolise the idea of continuity, there are animal tracks, and the You Yangs are in there; a beautiful part of Wadawurrung country, and a pivotal part of our culture.

“There’s also the symbol for campfire and eucalyptus leaves which represents our land country, footprints that represent us walking on country together, and boomerangs which highlight that what you give to one another will always flow back.”

During her volunteering at Pinarc Golden Point, Oldaker has also worked with the organisation’s customers to make a large collaborative painting.

“I’m really thankful,” she said. “I’ve been able to share my culture, and it really has been the most beautiful opportunity.”

Pinarc CEO Peter Newsome said staff have collaborated with Oldaker as part of the organisation’s work to boost cultural engagement and inclusion.

“The brief to Jenna was for her to have artistic freedom, but also to be conscious of how she could incorporate our promise to our customers,” he said.

“Importantly, to represent the trust that our customers, families, and carers place in us every day, often welcoming us into their lives at vulnerable times allowing us to support them through their journey.

“This all started when Jenna undertook some volunteer work. Our services should enable community, and I think the painting visually talks about that.

“We’ve started talking about First Nations culture with a group that had no idea, and walking important meetings and milestones with all people.”