Wyndham City’s public art project, Mooroop Yarkeen, has been awarded the prestigious Maggolee Award by Reconciliation Victoria. This recognition celebrates the collaborative efforts and cultural significance of the project, which stands as a testament to the rich heritage and unity of the local community. Wyndham City’s Mooroop Yarkeen Public Art Project Honored with Maggolee Award
Collaborative Creation
The creation of Mooroop Yarkeen involved extensive consultation with Bunurong Traditional Owners, local Indigenous communities, and a public Expression of Interest process. Victorian artist Tommy Day, also known as Jirri Jirri, was selected to design and install the 41-metre-tall mural, representing his artistic talent through Mamam.
Gunditjmara, Wemba Wemba, and Yorta Yorta artist Jirri Jirri incorporated various cultural elements into the mural. “The mural is vibrant, vivid, rich in texture and references to the Wirribi Yaluk (Werribee River), sandhills and Basalt plains, welcoming gum leaves, community coming together in unity, dreaming, and Bunjil’s flight,” Day explained, highlighting the cultural and natural motifs that inspired his work.
Community Pride
Wyndham City Mayor Jennie Barrera expressed immense pride in the recognition of the mural on the façade of Holiday Inn Werribee at the annual Maggolee Awards, which honor local governments advancing reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities.
“It’s an honor to receive this award during National Reconciliation Week,” Cr Barrera said. “This award is a 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.”
A Symbol of Unity
Mooroop Yarkeen has become a highlight of the Werribee City Centre, enhancing the local streetscape and fostering a sense of community pride. “It’s something that we can all be proud of,” Mayor Barrera added, emphasizing the mural’s role as an iconic part of the area and a symbol of unity and cultural respect.
The award for Mooroop Yarkeen during National Reconciliation Week underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in celebrating and preserving Indigenous culture. Through projects like this, Wyndham City continues to demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation and the celebration of diverse cultural narratives.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/03-06-2024/11770/wyndham-citys-mooroop-yarkeen-mural-wins-maggolee-award
