Artists: Lee-Anne Clarke and Mandi Barton
Year: 2019
Location: Sunvale Community Park, Sunshine
This artwork was restored with assistance from artist and renowned mosaicist Helen Bodycomb
The five universal elements have been represented to illustrate the traditional Wurundjeri culture within Brimbank, the continuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connections to Brimbank and the connection to all the diverse cultures that make up Sunshine and the wider community.
Spirit: Bunjil our Creator (eagle) is the connection to our Dreaming which represents Spirit, Lore and our creation stories.
Water: The Kororoit, Taylors and Jones's creek and the Maribyrnong River waterways hold an abundance of plant life; also featured are the Growling Grass Frog, Bream and campres marking a place of gathering for Aboriginal people.
Fire: Fire as a portal and source of Spiritual connection is the centre point of coming together for our storytelling, sharing of food and corroborees as our rites of passage are celebrated.
Air / wind: Whirlwind is the connection between Spirit, Air and Land being a symbolic sign to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Earth: The slopes of Green Gully feature the Murnong (Yam Daisy) a traditional bush food, the Earth is our Mother, it provides for us, our connection to her is depicted with the yarning circles and cultural symbols.
About Mandi Barton and Lee-Anne Clarke
Mandi Barton and Lee-Anne Clarke are local Aboriginal artists living in the Brimank area. Lee-Anne has been living and working in Brimbank for 18 years and Mandi grew up in the Western suburbs. Both women have an understanding of the Aboriginal history of the area and have close ties with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.