“First Nations students from BSSC also toured headspace Bendigo and shared ideas about how to make the space more inclusive for First Nations young people,” Haylee said.
“Over the past three months, students have connected with headspace staff to yarn about the artwork, which will create a place for reflection and connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in our waiting room.”
Josie and Emily Gower were chosen as the artists to create the work, as they were Bendigo Senior Secondary College alumni.
Haylee said the school mural will create an area where the First Nations students can reflect on their appreciation of the many Elders who have supported the school community.
“It has been such a wonderful experience connecting with the Elders in our community, with the artists and the students, to plan for our NAIDOC Week events,” Haylee said.
“And following the week, headspace Bendigo will continue to connect and engage with the First Nations students to increase our awareness of the cultural knowledge that has been passed down by Elders in the community.”
The mural will be launched on Thursday, July 6 with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country at Bendigo Senior Secondary College at 11am, followed by an unveiling of the artwork at headspace Bendigo at 12pm.
The events are supported by the NAIDOC Week executive committee, First Nations Healing and through a wellbeing grant from headspace National and Bendigo TAFE.
