Mural unveiled at IWD celebration

MORE than 100 people gathered at a Surf Coast Shire event to attend the unveiling of a new mural created by First Nations artist Jenna Oldaker.

Council hosted its International Women’s Day event on Wednesday, March 8 at Wurdi Baierr Stadium.

Titled ‘Wunggurrwil Ba-gurrk Murrup’ (Strong Woman Spirit), Ms Oldaker, a proud Wadawurrung woman, pays homage to women in the region that walked before her on Wadawurrung land.

“This artwork is a celebration of all the strong women that have travelled this beautiful land that we are lucky enough to call home,” Ms Oldaker said.

“Our Ancestors and Elders travelled these same lands sharing their culture, sharing their stories and ideas, and it is now our responsibility to take care of and nurture our Wadawurrung Country home.”

Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Liz Pattison led a Q&A with Ms Oldaker, which was followed by a morning tea.

Mayor Pattison said more than half of undergraduate and three-quarters of post-graduate fine art qualifications are awarded to women, yet women’s art makes up only one quarter of the work acquired for public gallery and municipal collections, including public art.

“It shows us that while it’s clear that women have achieved equality of access to education and training in the arts, there is still nothing like equity when it comes to career opportunity,” the Mayor said.

“Council’s annual International Women’s Day celebration is a highlight on our calendar as we raise awareness about how important it is to keep striving towards gender equality in our community.

“I’m delighted that this year’s event also supported council’s commitment to Reconciliation, and the need to grow our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.”

To learn more about the Surf Coast’s International Women’s Day theme, Embrace Equity, head to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Community-Services/International-Womens-Day