Wadawurrung artwork adorns Spirit of Tasmania port

A MURAL featuring the migration journey undertaken by Orange-bellied parrots across Bass Strait welcomes Spirit of Tasmania passengers making the same trip at the newly opened Corio port in Geelong.

The First Nations inspired 80-metre long mural makes it one of the largest in the city and is accompanied by other panels of interpretive artwork featuring Djilang and Coriayo Bay, along with an Acknowledgement to Country in Wadawurrung and English.

The mural from illustrator Claire Robson depicting the endangered parrots habitat and journey is accompanied by a written explanation of how it travels across the Sea Country (Bass Strait) to meet Lutruwita (Tasmania) Country for the summer then returns to Wadawurrung Country for the winter.

At the entrance to the terminal building more artworks have been installed including three carved basalt stone shells, one with a highly detailed mosaic inlay, Wallaby grass sculptures carved from reclaimed timber pier pylons, and a stainless steel Kawirr (Emu) feather.

The external works have been created and constructed by Romanis Trinham Collaborations PL (Glenn Romanis and Mark Trinham) and Geelong mosaic artist Dr Helen Bodycomb, and all are in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC), GeelongPort and Spirit of Tasmania.

Art director John Challis was the manager for the projects.

“We are thrilled to have such beautiful and meaningful artworks onsite to greet passengers as they arrive at Spirit of Tasmania Quay to start their journey and to introduce passengers from Tasmania to Wadawurrung country as they disembark,” Spirit of Tasmania’s Chief Executive Officer, Bernard Dwyer said.

“In particular we are pleased that the main installation of the Orange-bellied parrot represents the strong connection we have between Tasmania and Victoria.”

WTOAC CEO Paul Davis commended Traditional Owners and staff for developing the story, “and to GeelongPort for fulfilling key aspects of their Reconciliation Action Plan by supporting the project.”

Geelong Port CEO said he was proud of the local indigenous art and themes.

“We worked closely with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) to develop the internal concepts and external artwork to really showcase the culture and wildlife that is unique to this area. We hope parents and children waiting in the marshalling area enjoy the life-size mural and share the story of the Orange-bellied parrots connection between Victoria and Tasmania.”