Wyndham City is in the process of installing an impressive large scale mural on the outside façade of the Hunter Building, 22 Synnot St, Werribee.
Wyndham City, the Hunter Development and the Holiday Inn together made a commitment in 2021 that a large scale First Nations mural would be commissioned for the side of the Holiday Inn.
This complements Wyndham City’s 2022-2032 Public Art Plan that was adopted in June 2023 that references the themes of Foregrounding of Aboriginal voices and stories, Localism, Habitat, and Futurism.
The vibrant, colourful mural titled ‘Mooroop Yarkeen’, which translates to ‘Spirit Dreaming’ will be a stand-out feature and highlight of the Werribee City Centre, brightening up the city with depictions of wildlife, habitat, and cultural heritage, all inter-connecting themes of Werribee and its First Nations’ history.
Following extensive consultation with Bunurong Traditional Owners, local First Nations communities, and a public Expression of Interest process, Council appointed Victorian artist Tommy Day, represented by Mamam, to design and install the 41-metre-tall mural.
Tommy Day, aka Jirri Jirri, is incorporating a range of elements to present cultural perspective and expression in this unique artwork as a response to the themes and cultural input from local community.
He designed the 41metre large-scale mural and it is expected to take eight days to create the artwork on the Hunter Building façade.
Wyndham City Mayor Cr Susan McIntyre said: “Once complete, the mural will be a highly valued addition to Wyndham’s Public Art collection and will be one of the largest murals created by a First Nations artist in Australia and installed on the tallest building in Wyndham.”
Tommy Day said: “The mural is vibrant, vivid, rich in texture and references to the Wirribi Yaluk (Werribee River), sandhills and Basalt plains, welcoming gum leaves, community coming together in unity, dreaming, and Bunjil’s flight.”
The project has been overseen by Council’s Arts and Culture team with a working group of partners to select the artist and final design.
Collaboration with key stakeholders including The Holiday Inn, Pelligra Citi Nova developers, Quest Apartments and Werribee City Centre business owners and groups has been ongoing and the concept of the mural has been well received by the community.
The mural will have an official launch event for the community on Sunday, 26th of November from 5pm to 7pm to showcase the amazing mural.
For more information visit: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/mooroopyarkeen