Artists statement

This mural by Indigenous artist Kent Morris (Barkindji people) references First Nations knowledge systems and Brunswick’s local history. The geometric design is inspired by Indigenous design elements from the south east of Australia and mathematical and Chinese rope knot diagrams. Rope factories were once housed in nearby Tinning Street and the site also has a history as a Chinese Market Garden.

The colour palette reflects the park’s name Garrong, the Woi Wurrung word for Wattle. The magpie signifies how First Nations creation stories, including those of the Kulin Nation, tell of magpies industriously and ingeniously working together for the betterment of all mankind then singing the dawn to mark their achievement. Overall, the design emphasises the benefits of cross cultural knowledge and collaboration with the interconnecting patterns reaffirming connection to community, culture and family, highlighting the ties that bind us together.