NAIDOC Week: Honouring Elders and Unveiling Connections through Country

In Week 2 of term 3, our College community came together to celebrate the official unveiling of Connections through Country, a beautiful First Nations artwork created by Noongar Elder Basil Hart during our NAIDOC Week celebrations.

We welcomed First Nations families, local Elders and members of our wider community to share in this special occasion.

The assembly featured reflections from local Elders, AFL legend Syd Jackson and Les Wallam, who spoke about their experiences as members of the Stolen Generations and their ongoing commitment to healing, truth-telling and reconciliation. We were also privileged to enjoy a performance by the Binar Dance Group, before Max Jetta led a traditional Smoking Ceremony.

Created in collaboration with our students and staff, Connections through Country reflects the many places our College community calls home, with Our Lady of Mercy College at the centre as our shared meeting place. The artwork celebrates the deep connections between people, place and Country and is now proudly displayed in the PH/TE Courtyard.

Thank you to Basil Hart, Nana Val Ugle, Max Jetta, Syd Jackson, Les Wallam, the Binar Dance Group and everyone who helped make this celebration possible.