This Mural project brought together respected Biripi Elder, Aunty Isabel as the consultant, the Biripi women Elder’s arts and craft group, art students from Taree High School and the Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre to create a mural at Taree High SchooThe theme for the mural is about the fires and the floods, with each panel representing before, during and after the disasters. The aim was to create 6 panels, three panels about the bushfires and three on the floods. The panels are
displayed together on a free standing mount on a timber post and rail.

The mural’s panels are placed outside the centre on the edge of the carpark, in clear view when people arrive at the centre. The manager of the Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre arranged for the construction of the frame and the mounting of the mural.

This project provided a safe space for open conversation around the subject of the bushfires and flood between both the women elders and the High School students. It also created an opportunity for support workers, teachers, and volunteers who have also experienced the Bushfires, to be part of the shared conversation.

Through the art process, often unheard stories come to the surfaces and highlight hidden traumas. People can share their stories in a supportive group setting. The coming together of elders and teenagers provides an opportunity for the groups to connect and share knowledge, skills and
build on their cross-generational interpersonal skills.

The sharing of knowledge and experiences around the disasters will strengthen their relationships and build capacity that can support recovery and future preparedness.

 

A Creative Recovery project supported by Arts Mid North Coast and made possible through the joint Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, Resilience NSW and FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal).