Charlotte Varcoe
INDIGENOUS artwork has been put on display at Mount Gambier’s headspace office with Boandik artist Belinda Bonney officially unveiling her third mural recently.
Ms Bonney’s mural was influenced by headspace’s ‘Take a Step’ campaign which encourages Indigenous youth to step towards making themselves stronger mentally.
The mural features a range of blue tones representing the different colours of the Blue Lake throughout the year as well as a meeting place and footprints to signify the community walking together.
In the centre of the artwork are the words ‘Martu Kakayi Berrin-a’, the traditional Bundanditj (Boandik) words for ‘Welcome to Mount Gambier’.
“Originally I drew up four designs and headspace decided on which one they liked,” Ms Bonney said.
“It was great watching the mural come together piece by piece and then once it was finished it felt like a great accomplishment.
“Having Indigenous murals around town really helps us Aboriginal artists get our stories across for people to understand our culture more and it is great for people to understand,” she said.
Mount Gambier headspace community liaison officer Nick McInerney said the campaign aimed to encourage young people to become more aware of their social and emotional wellbeing while also exploring practical things they can do to feel better.
“There are many things that can help empower young people to support themselves and others when times are tough,” Mr McInerney said.
“This includes finding strength through culture, feeling grounded by being on Country, connecting with family, Elders or community and looking after physical health and spiritual wellbeing.”
Ms Bonney also has a mural on display at both the Mount Gambier Pumping Station and Reidy Park Primary School.
