TWO significant Aboriginal Elders will be commemorated in a new mural on the wall facing Welsford Street, which is owned by Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) and overlooks Shepparton’s CBD.
As part of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Aboriginal Street Art project, in collaboration with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, the new mural will recnognise the late Aunty Violet Harrison and late Aunty Mary James.
Both Aunties were born at the Cummeragunja Mission, and they are highly regarded local Yorta Yorta Elders who were heavily involved in supporting the local Aboriginal community and abroad. They were founding members of initiatives like the Rumbalara Cooperative and what was known as the Shepparton Aboriginal Keeping Place.
Local Yorta Yorta Elder, Uncle Lance James, who is the son of Aunty Mary James, said that he was thrilled that both ladies were deservedly being recognised.
“Both Mum and Aunty Violet dedicated a significant portion of their lives to various local initiatives to support our community and they would both be humbled by the honour of featuring in a mural as part of this great project,” he said.
The mural is being painted by returning Melbourne artist, Matt Adnate, who created the murals on GVW’s walls on Fryers Street and Stewart Street, and the DHHS wall on Welsford Street.
“Thank you for having me back out here for the fourth time. It’s great to have the opportunity to continue this project,” he said.
Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, said she was excited that the next mural of the Aboriginal Street Art project would recognise a further two significant female Aboriginal leaders.
