The Reconciliation Mural of 2000 is a unique part of the landscape of Wamberal PUblic School and the mural holds an enduring message for Aboriginal Reconciliation for past, present and future students.
In September 2000 a mural was completed on the wall of the multi-purpose area and later moved to the bottom oval. The mural was designed by Aboriginal artist Kevin Duncan and the theme for the mural was " Reconciliation - Sharing the future". The multipurpose area was funded by the P&C in 2000. A grant from the Gosford District DEC was successful and a P&C working group constructed the timber wall. Kevin Duncan use three colours (red,black and yellow) for the mural. The wall is 7m long and 1-2.3m high and constructed of treated pine planks. When the mural was completed Kevin Duncan invited students to be present while he blessed the mural in his Aboriginal language with music and dance.
Handprints and Dots
The linking dots across the mural represent the Rainbow Serpent, a symbol of creation. The handprints represent the educational stages throughout people's lives. All Year 6 students (2000) were involved with the project as their handprints provided the border aound the top of the mural. The handprints of the artist, school captains and the Aboriginal students in Year 4, as well as the ASSPA teacher representative were at the top centre of the mural.
The linking dots across the mural represent the Rainbow Serpent, a symbol of creation. The handprints represent the educational stages throughout people's lives. All Year 6 students (2000) were involved with the project as their handprints provided the border aound the top of the mural. The handprints of the artist, school captains and the Aboriginal students in Year 4, as well as the ASSPA teacher representative were at the top centre of the mural.
The Figures
The two figures at the centre of the mural represent BAIYAMI (male) and YHI (female) spirits. The "true self" or spirit which everyone has, links us all, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. These figures are dressed in a traditional way. The body design represents creation, the dots represent water. The yellow and white feathered head dress and arm bands are of cockatoo feathers. These feathers are a symbol of strength and protection.
The two figures at the centre of the mural represent BAIYAMI (male) and YHI (female) spirits. The "true self" or spirit which everyone has, links us all, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. These figures are dressed in a traditional way. The body design represents creation, the dots represent water. The yellow and white feathered head dress and arm bands are of cockatoo feathers. These feathers are a symbol of strength and protection.
Grass Plants
These are along the base of the mural. Grass plants were an important food source for Indigenous people. Aboriginal people used the seeds to make bread. The yellow seeds were collected, husked, ground and cooked as damper. The leaves of the grass plant were used for baskets and dilly bags.
These are along the base of the mural. Grass plants were an important food source for Indigenous people. Aboriginal people used the seeds to make bread. The yellow seeds were collected, husked, ground and cooked as damper. The leaves of the grass plant were used for baskets and dilly bags.
Waratahs and Coolamons
Waratahs are plants found throughout NSW and are the symbol of growth and new life.
Coolamons found at the bottom of the picture were the Aboriginal carrying instrument for carrying fruit or as a baby carrier.
Waratahs are plants found throughout NSW and are the symbol of growth and new life.
Coolamons found at the bottom of the picture were the Aboriginal carrying instrument for carrying fruit or as a baby carrier.