WEE Waa High School has unveiled its new mural, A New Journey – a vibrant celebration of identity, growth and connection, depicting the hopes and ambitions of the students.
The mural has been created by local Indigenous-identifying artist, Ethan Towns, in collaboration with a group of students, tracing the path of an Aboriginal student from early childhood through each stage of school life.
Relieving principal Nichole Maloy said the mural reflected the continuing presence of Aboriginal culture at the school.
“All the images are from student input, showing the things that mean the most to them as they make their way through school,” Ms Maloy said.
“Central to the mural is a smoke plume with images of what’s important to the students, from their work in class, creative work, sports and home time.”
The mural’s background is a night sky with Aboriginal constellations and their stories emerging at night.
The mural captures the way interests and aspirations evolve over time, while culture remains a steady, guiding force, symbolising both continuity and fresh beginnings at the school’s new campus.
The result is a deeply meaningful piece that speaks to community, belonging and journey – stunning by day and spectacular by night, featuring the use of custom, fluorescent UV paint, making it one of very few outdoor, fluorescent UV Indigenous murals in Australia.
Ethan worked closely with the students and Aboriginal education officer, Helen Wenner, throughout the process, sharing stories, ideas, and reflections on what their school means to them.
Staff were thrilled to welcome a big community turnout for the unveiling and thanked them for coming together with the school to celebrate such a special occasion.
