People of all ages and backgrounds gathered at BSSC this morning, coming together for the launch of two works by local First Nations artists Josie and Emily Gower.
The community heard from Lindsay Rose, Manager of Headspace Bendigo, before proud Dja Dja Wurrung man Jason Kerr welcomed everyone to the event and invited the crowd to take part in a smoking ceremony before the mural was unveiled.
The mural, which features prominently on the side of D block, was created by BSSC Alumni and proud Palawa Trawlwoolway women Josie and Emily Gower. It was inspired by Elders, Culture and connection and included gum leaves that BSSC students painted during Reconciliation Week earlier in the year.
The group then moved down to the Headspace Bendigo office to unveil the second piece of artwork that Josie and Emily created, which features in the foyer of the building.
Both works came to fruition after students at the college connected with Headspace via it’s ‘Take a Step’ campaign, which encourages strength of spirit, culture and body for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year’s theme for NAIDOC Week is ‘For Our Elders’. It was wonderful to be able to gather together to celebrate the amazing pieces of artwork and the meaning behind them both.
A huge thank you to the team at Headspace, BSSC staff and students and the Elders that inspired these special creations to come to life – and to the incredible artists, Josie and Emily.
See more photos on Facebook.
