First Nations artwork to be featured at Banyul-Warri

A WADAWURRUNG artist hopes to spark important conversations from his newest artwork on the new Banyul-Warri Fields Hockey Pitch in North Torquay.

Billy-Jay O’Toole now has his 2022 NAIDOC Week masterpiece stitched into the synthetic pitch surface at the home of hockey in Torquay.

The artist shared the story behind the design, describing the handprints as a symbol of connection and togetherness between players.

 

“The U between the spears and boomerang represents the strength of the men and women in a club where all genders are welcome,” he said.

“The big U in the centre represents the hockey club as one big family: players, sponsors, volunteers and community.”

Mr O’Toole said showcasing First Nations artwork in the public domain continues to be very rewarding.

“It means we can start conversations about cultural stories and connections, and people can acknowledge the Country they’re on,” he said.

“It’s also about providing further opportunities for people to ask questions and it might encourage others to have First Nations designs in workplaces, sporting clubs and other community facilities.”

Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the artwork will be a wonderful addition to Banyul-Warri Fields.

“It’s wonderful to see local Wadawurrung talent like Billy-Jay featured so prominently at Banyul-Warri Fields,” Ms Tierney said.

“His artwork will give everyone who visits the new hockey facilities a sense of welcome, pride and connection to Wadawurrung Country.

“This is exactly what our investment in regional sports infrastructure is all about – backing community, inclusion and the stories that make places like Torquay so special.”

Works at Banyul-Warri Fields began in April to deliver a new hockey pitch, sports lights, electronic scoeboards, spectator shelter, seating and a new car park.

The pitch is fully funded through the Victorian government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.