In a celebration of Aboriginal art across the region, Mornington Peninsula Shire has collaborated with NBN Co. and six local Aboriginal groups on a project to wrap 16 nbn nodes with Aboriginal artwork across the Peninsula.
The project is the result of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Arts and Culture Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and the organisational relationship that exists between the Shire and the Traditional Owners.
It is also a first in involving all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations on the Mornington Peninsula in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire, NBN Co. and the Registered Aboriginal Party that represents the Traditional Owners of the area, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC).
The artworks are located in Rosebud, Dromana, Rye, Mornington, Sorrento, Tootgarook, Hastings, Balnarring, Mount Eliza, Tyabb, Somerville, Flinders and Red Hill. Each work offers a QR code, directing viewers to more information about the individual work, the artist and the local organisations.
As stated by Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor:
“Art is what shapes us – it takes us on a journey of discovery and is an important part of our everyday life. The project celebrates our First Peoples’ culture and stories, embodies the creativity evident here on the Mornington Peninsula and stimulates and enriches community and visitors’ ideas and knowledge. These pieces not only provide beauty to our streetscapes, but they also give our First People living on or visiting the Peninsula visibility as they see their culture proudly on display.”
“The 16 artworks show us new ways to connect. We can find meaning in their stories and the communities they represent.”
As noted by Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC):
“Bunurong people are excited and proud to share their stories and connection for this project on their traditional lands. There is a diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and stories on the Peninsula and many have been included in this project.”
As noted by Andrea Appleby – Head of Community and Stakeholder Engagement (Victoria and Tasmania) NBN Co:
“This initiative was a wonderful opportunity to turn these essential network components into artwork that reflects the area’s Indigenous heritage and allow local artists to display their works in a unique way. It’s great to see the positive result of this collaboration between Mornington Peninsula Shire, local Indigenous groups and nbn. We are keen to use this approach within other areas across the country as a way of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.”
As noted by contributing artist, Lionel Lauch of Living Culture:
Explaining his work Grandfather Sun installed in a Mornington site. “It is about healing and positive energy from the rays touching us like a hug…. My earth paintings educate people about Aboriginal culture and invite people to open their eyes and see what culture is there, all around us.”
