Perched high above the Geelong Ring Road at Wandana, a striking 3×3 metre artwork by indigenous artist B.J. O\u2019Toole sits beside giant metal letters that spell out Wadawurrung Country.
\nAn initiative of Committee for Geelong leadership students working with the Wadawurrung, the collaboration was facilitated by the Aboriginal business Arranyinha\u2019s director, Marsha Uppill.
\nThe project is aimed at raising the profile, awareness and recognition of the Geelong region\u2019s first peoples.
\nEntitled \u201cWadawurrung Country\u201d, the artwork speaks to the layers and depth of the Geelong, or Djilang, region, says O\u2019Toole.
\nThe first layer represented the ochre colours found everywhere on Wadawurrung country, he said.
\n\u201cThe next layer represents the coastline, the sandy beaches on Wadawurrung country.
\n\u201cNext is the ocean, with its many known cultural sites, a sacred part of Wadawurrung history, followed by the volcanic plains that run through Wadawurrung country, telling of times long ago.\u201d
\nThe painting also depicts rivers, creeks and mountains, as well as Waa the crow \u2013 the protector watching over Wadawurrung Country and speaking to its inhabitants.
\nVillawood\u2019s three-metre high corten steel letters are regularly used by the developer to highlight social issues.
\nAcknowledging the traditional ownership of Australian land was an important part of the sense of place in its communities, Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s important we recognise the role of the Wadawurrung people in our lives, past and present.
\n\u201cDoing so here on land at Wandana is a great way of celebrating our community and being able to do during National Reconciliation Week is timely.
\n\u201cWe share a rich and fascinating indigenous heritage in Australia. Reconciliation Week is all about tackling our challenges together and I think B.J. O\u2019Toole\u2019s art is a great way of helping us do that.\u201d
\nThe artwork and giant messaging were launched on Sorry Day, marking the start of National Reconciliation Week, and will remain in place until the completion of NAIDOC Week in July.
\nWadawurrung chief executive owner Paul Davis said Aboriginal traditional ownership was often overlooked.
\n\u201cThis is all Aboriginal land and it\u2019s important wherever you are in Australia, for people to recognise the land\u2019s traditional owners.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A stunning artistic collaboration between the Wadawurrung people and developer Villawood Properties will highlight this year\u2019s National Reconciliation Week. Perched high above the Geelong Ring Road at Wandana, a striking 3×3 metre artwork by indigenous artist B.J. O\u2019Toole sits beside giant metal letters that spell out Wadawurrung Country. An initiative of Committee for Geelong leadership […]<\/p>\n