Geelong celebrates First Nations culture with NBN Box Art Trail

SEVERAL National Broadband Network (NBN) utility boxes across Greater Geelong have been transformed into vibrant displays celebrating First Nations stories and art.

The nine completed NBN boxes, designed by ten local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, form a public art trail between central Geelong and Marshall.

One of the artworks was designed by artist Michelle Searle, a proud Awabakal woman.

Contemporary First Nations artist Jenna Oldaker’s artwork, “Ton-Ton (Brain)”, represents people on Wadawurrung Country as they weave back and forth across the land sharing their stories, history and culture. Photo: SUPPLIED

“I am excited to be a part of the First Nations NBN Box Designs which encourage the sharing of our culture and stories through art and raises the awareness of cultural safety in the environment we live in,” she said.

“Just like our artwork, we are all different and on our own personal cultural journeys.”

Her piece “The Hands of Support in Community” represents the “support we gain from our communities, and that by being there for one another, we can grow, teach and learn united”.

The First Nations NBN Box Art Trail is collaborative effort between stakeholders that include the City of Greater Geelong, NBN Co, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative and local First Nations artists.

The first two competed NBN boxes, designed by Norm Stanley and Jenna Oldaker respectively, were first unveiled by the city in May last year.

While the NBN cabinets house essential infrastructure, Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the initiative had elevated the utility boxes to platforms for cultural expression.

Renowned First Nations artist Norm Stanley’s piece, “The Setting Sun of the Serpent”, depicts the passion burning inside him to share culture. Photo: SUPPLIED

“Given our municipality has the largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in any local government area in Victoria, we are thrilled to amplify the visibility of First Nations’ cultures in urban settings,” he said.

“The eye-catching designs not only give passers-by the opportunity to pause and contemplate the deeper story behind the artwork, but also help to foster a greater appreciate for First Peoples’ stories in the community.”

He said the new designs were “well worth a visit”.

Andrea Appleby, NBN Co’s general manager of national stakeholder engagement, said the company was proud to collaborate on the project and assist in transforming its NBN cabinets into symbols of connection.

“These beautiful artworks are helping to share stories as a way to learn and celebrate the culture of First Nations people and be a visual reminder of reconciliation in the community.”

For more information on each of the artists and their artworks, head to geelong.link/first-nations-NBN-box-art