Indigenous artwork to be installed at Tamworth's newest fire station has been finished by students of Tamworth High School.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A dozen high school students this week completed a totem pole painting project, and the finished product is now set to be installed in front of Fire and Rescue Station 448, on the Ringers Road, during NAIDOC week.
Project organiser Kelli Allan said the totem poles featured cultural symbols of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands people.
"The colours actually represent Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people. So we've got the earthy tones and then we've also got the sea tones coming through as well. That was the kid's idea," she said.
READ MORE:
The quality of painting by the students was impressive, she said.
"A majority of the kids have an interest in art, so there are a couple of kids that aren't so arty but are doing some of the more basic stuff," she said.
"We have some pretty talented artists here."
Murals painted by students at Hillvue and Tamworth South Public Schools, and by the Bumbara arts group will also feature at the newly-opened fire station.
Fire and Rescue Superintendent Tom Cooper said they will all be unveiled in July alongside another mural to be painted that day by members of the community.
"The idea is to reinforce our commitment to our reconciliation statement that Fire and Rescue NSW has, and demonstrate to the rest of the community that we are contributing to reconciliation through NAIDOC week, through art and culture," he said.
Ms Allan commended the local fire brigade for its strong commitment to reconciliation.
High school student Kiani Haines said the painting exercise made her feel her culture was valued.
"It's good because it shows off our talents and what we can do. It really brings out the culture in Tamworth high. It puts a good picture of Tamworth high," she said.
The $5.4 million new station was completed in 2020, but coronavirus precluded any community events to mark the opening.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark northerndailyleader.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News