Wyndham council’s public art project, Mooroop Yarkeen, has received a Maggolee
Award from Reconciliation Victoria.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera, said she was extremely proud to see the
large-scale, 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,” Cr 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.”
Cr Barrera said consultation and collaboration were key to the success of the project, particularly the role Bunurong Traditional Owners and local First Nations communities played in the development of the artistic brief and public expression of interest.
“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. 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.” Cr Barrera said.
For more information visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/mooroopyarkeen
