School mural to leave lasting legacy

Normanton students are putting the final touches to a mural project which will help beautify their school and stop graffiti.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said the students are working with a local Aboriginal artist this week to paint a mural on two of the school’s buildings.

“This particular building has been subjected to numerous graffiti attacks and the school was looking for a way to not only deter people from spoiling the school buildings, but to also enrich the cultural identity of the school,” Mr Elmes said.

“School Principal Tonia Smerdon developed the idea of engaging the students to paint a culturally appropriate mural which has proven to be effective elsewhere in the community.

“The adjacent Normanton Pre-school centre has a stunning Aboriginal mural of a snake which has never been targeted by vandals, and it’s hoped that the mural at the primary school will achieve the same result.

“Renowned Indigenous artist, Arthur Conlon has been engaged to guide the students over the three-day project.

“He will work closely with the students, teaching them more about Aboriginal painting and guiding them along the way to creating their works of art.

“His inspiration comes from his experiences as a descendant of Queensland’s Wakka Wakka tribes and the flora and fauna of the Kabi Kabi region.

“Not only is the mural going to be a beautiful addition to the school grounds, it’s also giving students an opportunity to build a stronger cultural identity.

The Normanton School Mural Project is supported by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs.

The mural depicts a community story representing the three Indigenous tribes of Gkuthaarn,

Kukatj and Kurtijar who live in and around Normanton. The Norman River and local fauna and flora are also being represented.

The community will be able to see the mural from the road and follow the story as it unfolds around the school resource centre and the amenities block.

[ENDS] 17 October 2013

Media Contact:          Peter McCarthy (0408) 835 548

Note:   High-res photos of the almost complete mural are available upon request.