The memory and recognition of Aunty Violet Harrison and Aunty Mary James, both past Yorta Yorta Elders, will live on in mural form.
As part of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Aboriginal Street Art Project in collaboration with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, the new mural is being painted at Goulburn Valley Water.
Both Aunties were born at the Cummeragunja Mission and went on to become heavily involved in supporting the local First Nations community and Indigenous rights, both founding members of the Rumbalara Cooperative.
Aunty Mary James’ son and Yorta Yorta Elder Uncle Lance James said he was thrilled that both women were deservedly being recognised.
“Both Mum (Mary James) 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.
Melbourne artist Matt Adnate also painted murals on the Goulburn Valley Water walls at Fryers St, and on Stewart St and Welsford St. He is set to spend four days completing the mural.
Mr Adnate said it was a “massive honour” to continue showcasing Yorta Yorta Elders and returning to the region with Shepparton displaying a series of his work.
“There’s quite a lot of people who have seen this mural out here and I’ve got some great Yorta Yorta friends, they tell me how proud and how great it feels to see these amazing people represented and to be immortalised to have their stories live on,” he said.
The mural will front Goulburn Valley Water on Welsford St.
8°C