Community members were invited to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 at a Surf Coast Shire Council event featuring the unveiling of a mural by First Nations artist Jenna Oldaker.
Titled Wunggurrwil Ba-gurrk Murrup (Strong Woman Spirit), the mural is a welcome addition to Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay north.
Ms Oldaker, a proud Wadawurrung woman, was excited to reveal her piece at the celebration.
“This artwork is a celebration of all the strong women that have travelled this beautiful land that we are lucky enough to call home,” she said.
“Our Ancestors and Elders travelled these same lands sharing their culture, sharing their stories and ideas, and it is now our responsibility to take care of and nurture our Wadawurrung Country home.”
Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Liz Pattison led a Q&A with Ms Oldaker, followed by a morning tea.
“I’m looking forward to hearing valuable insights from Jenna about her mural, which is inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Embrace Equity,” Mayor Pattison said before the event.
“Council’s annual International Women’s Day celebration is a highlight on our calendar as we raise awareness about how important it is to keep striving towards gender equality in our community.
“I’m delighted that this year’s event also supports council’s commitment to Reconciliation and the need to grow our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.”
