City approves inaugural First Nations project at Geelong Gaol

THE first ever project part of the City of Greater Geelong’s First Nations Cultural Heritage Grants program has been confirmed for funding following the successful application to restore an Aboriginal mural within the Old Geelong Gaol.

The City of Greater Geelong understands that the walls of the Old Geelong Gaol were painted over about 30 years ago when the institution closed.

However, parts of what appears to be an artwork of a waterfall, measuring 12 metres by three metres, has been uncovered under a layer of paint.

The project, set to restore the painting following its discovery, will be supported by a grant of up to $60,000 under the city’s new funding stream, which was endorsed by the Council in December 2021, along with 39 other 2021-22 Community Grants.

The research will aim to confirm if the mural is the work of former inmate Revel Cooper, who died in 1983.

Cooper, a Noongar man, painted another artwork at the Gaol and became a well-known Indigenous artist, with a work also hanging in the National Gallery of Australia.

Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the city’s Community Grants provided important opportunities for the council and community to partner together on significant projects, which might provide a range of benefits for many years to come.

“Congratulations and thank you to the successful grant applicant for putting forward such an important project,” Cr Sullivan said regarding the mural.

“The city would also like to thank the independent grants panel for their work in assessing the First Nations Cultural Heritage Grant applications.”

Round Two of the First Nations Cultural Heritage Grants are currently open until April 11 and there are a number of projects that could potentially be considered.

According to the city, either the development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) for an Aboriginal Heritage Place or activities and works identified in an approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) will be considered.

This might include bollards and fencing to protect a site, projects to record site values including oral histories, interpretative signage, seating, track work or other activities to enhance visitor’s experiences to a site and re-establishment of native plants.

Councillor Anthony Aitken, chair of the council’s Finance portfolio, said the mural’s grant reflects the council’s commitment to Reconciliation with the local First Nations community.

“We have worked with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners over the past 18 months to establish this new grant stream and we’re so very proud that the first recipient will be using the funds in such a unique and creative way,” Cr Aitken said.

“It’s exciting to imagine the possibilities of how First Nations history will be celebrated and conserved in Greater Geelong into the future, through this new grant stream.”

For more information about city grants visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants/default.aspx.