ST Mary's School, Beaudesert, has collaborated with Aboriginal artist Waylene Currie to highlight the school's connection to land and local Aboriginal culture in Beaudesert for 120 years.
During National Reconciliation Week Waylene joined the school community to unveil his artwork, titled Waijung, which means mother in the local dialect of the Yugambeh language.
The artwork represents Mother Earth – Mother Mary and tells the story of the school's connection to Mununjali country.
The school collaborated with Waylene and Mununjali General Manager Brad Currie, to develop the artwork and celebrate the school's 120 years delivering excellent Catholic Education to the Beaudesert and surrounding communities.
St Mary's Principal Kevin Billion said the wonderful artwork would provide a constant reminder to students and staff about the country on which the school was founded.
“St Mary's is celebrating its 120th year and developing this artwork with Mununjali reflects on our past, present and hope-filled future," Mr Billion said.
“Waylene and Brad also presented our school with a message stick for us to use during Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies at the school," he said.
“We have a wonderful connection and respect for the Mununjali people, and I want to thank Waylene and Brad for their support of our school."
“Our staff is so impressed with the Waijung artwork we have now designed new staff shirts with it as the feature," he said.
Mr Billion said the artwork and message stick will take pride of place in the school hall for everyone to appreciate.
