Yarra Plenty Regional Library is proud to announce that Simone Thomson, a Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri / Yorta-Yorta woman and artist, has painted two new mural artworks for the Diamond Valley Library, funded with the help of the Nillumbik Community Fund. YPRL commissioned these works as a celebration of First Nations culture, to strengthen community connection, and to be a visual reminder of the heritage of Country.
Simone picked up a paint brush at fifteen and created her first Dreaming story, and she continues this sacred art of storytelling into present times. She draws from her rich ancestral heritage and cultural knowledge, and from her spiritual connection to Country.
"Ngarrga Yaluk – Dance along the Creek"
Hanging in the children’s area, and forming the centrepiece of that space, is "Ngarrga Yaluk – Dance along the Creek", with Bunjil the Creator Spirit and Waa the Crow, Keeper of the Wind and Waters, watching from sky country as animals dance along the creek. Children can see Warinj the wombat, Marram the kangaroo, and Gawarn the echidna, and other Australian animals.
“Bargoongagat Kyinandoo Wilam – Gather at the Clever Hut”
On the wall facing the entrance the library is “Bargoongagat Kyinandoo Wilam – Gather at the Clever Hut”.
The waterways of Birrarung, the Yarra River, and the Diamond Creek are represented by a long winding wave, and earthy dots symbolise stones across the waters that are iuk, eel traps.
Bands of connecting circles form links either side of the river; they are the journey tracks of the Wurundjeri. The rich dark soil of the lands lining the waterways are symbolised by flowing black arcs.
The ‘n’ shapes along the edge signify a birds-eye view of people sitting, and represents the community gathering at this ‘clever hut’: The Diamond Valley Library.
In the spirit of reconciliation Yarra Plenty Regional Library acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.