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As a key event for the Guringai Festival and to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, Shane Haurama, a local indigenous artist, painted a spectacular four panel mural in the Foyer Exhibition Space over two weeks (18 - 29 June).
Shane responded to NAIDOC Week by painting a sea of 50 hands, one for each year, surrounding a large black hand in the centre of the four panel mural. The large hand in the centre represents the significance of the indigenous people, as the original inhabitants, surrounded by other cultural groups. His palette of four colours and placement of motifs highlights the importance of indigenous heritage and culture while acknowledging the need for working together as a nation, for reconciliation.
NAIDOC Week takes place every year to celebrate the culture of Indigenous Australians and their achievements and contributions to the nation.
The following is from a statement by National NAIDOC Week Chairperson, Aden Ridgeway:
"The 50th anniversary for NAIDOC is a time for us to reflect on how far we have come as Indigenous Australians and the significant contribution we have made to shape this nation. We need to look forward to what we want Australia to be in 50 years time and where our people will be. It is up to all Australians to put the hard work in to correct the inequalities still suffered by our people. Like the origins of NAIDOC itself it needs all of us — Indigenous Australians, governments, and the wider Australian community to improve life opportunities of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and respect for our position and role in the life of the nation."
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