Indented Head hits winner

INDENTED Head’s brand new and much-needed tennis court revamp will feature a striking mural from Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay O’Toole.

The design, titled Bellawiyn, is the Wadawurrung word for Bellarine and features Bunjil, the creator of Wadawurrung country. Other images reflecting Wadawurrung country are set around the edges of the court, with the brand new plexipave acrylic surface operating as the deep blue canvas.

“I wanted a design that showcased the different elements of the Belawiyn,” O’ Toole said.

“It is a place where people come to gather and camp, there are fish and the ocean. Bunjil is up top, watching over everyone on country.”

Twelve months ago, Indented Head Community Association received a grant of $66,000 from the City of Greater Geelong for the revamp, which was supplemented with $99,000 from Bellarine Bayside, who requested O’Toole paint the border and provided in-kind project management for the court rebuild.

The rejuvenated facilities are bolstered by new fencing and two commercial basketball rings, giving locals a multipurpose place to be active and social.

O Toole, who also works as a Cultural Heritage Officer at the Wadawuwurrung Traditional Land Owners Corporation, said it is the first tennis court showcasing indigenous artwork.

“It’s significant – It’s a big honour to be asked to do it for the first time,” he said.

“I’ve had someone contact me already about wanting something else bigger. A lady from the Australian Open has reached out too – so I think there will be some opportuunity and there will be more.”

O’Toole said he was also working on a piece for a Victorian Opera performance called Parrwang Lifts the Sky, which tells the story of the magpie who created the first dawn, by lifting the sky until it split open. According to Wadawurrung creation story, this is why magpie’s can be heard warbling in the morning.

Stay up to date with Billy-Jay O’Toole’s artwork at facebook.com/papulaboriginalart