Wyndham City Council’s public art project, Mooroop Yarkeen, has received a Maggolee Award from Reconciliation Victoria.
Mayor, Jennie Barrera said she was extremely proud to see the 41-metre tall mural on the façade of Holiday Inn Werribee recognised at the annual awards, which celebrate local governments working with First Peoples to advance reconciliation.
“It’s an honour to receive this award during National Reconciliation Week,” Mayor Barrera said.
“This award is testament to a wonderful collaboration between Wyndham City, artist Tommy Day / Jirri Jirri (represented by MAMAM), Bunurong Land Council, Koling wada-ngal Aboriginal Corporation, Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Community Centre, Holiday Inn Werribee, Pelligra Citinova and many project and community partners.”
The Mayor said consultation and collaboration were key to the success of the project, with Bunurong Traditional Owners and local First Nations communities playing a key role in the development of the artistic brief and public Expression of Interest process.
“As a result of that collaboration, Tommy Day / Jirri Jirri was able to incorporate local themes and cultural perspectives, including our beautiful Wirribi Yaluk (Werribee River), sandhills and basalt plains, welcoming gum leaves, dreaming, Bunjil’s flight and community coming together in unity,” she said.
“Mooroop Yarkeen is a highlight of the Werribee City Centre and has become an iconic part of our streetscape and it’s something that we can all be proud of.”
