July 24th, 2024Art transforms information centre

The City of Ballarat has unveiled an attention-grabbing artistic Acknowledgement of Country in the Ballarat Town Hall’s Visitor Information Centre.

Created by local First Nations artist Deanne Gilson, the newly unveiled mural is designed to showcase deep connection to the country’s native flora and fauna.

The Visitor Information Centre welcomes approximately 25,000 visitors annually, with even more people visiting the Town Hall for other business.

The mural encompasses the entrance into the Visitor Information Centre, immersing all who enter into a story of Wadawurrung people in a move symbolic of the first Welcome to Country done post settlement as an act of reclamation and Reconciliation of her culture.  

Above the doorway depicts crows as ancestors, along with King Billy and Queen Mary of Ballarat at the Black Hill lookout, watching over Ballarat.    

To the right the mural depicts Yarrowee Creek, showing how Wadawurrung people survived living off the land for many generations.    

Finally, above the exit the mural shows thirteen original black swans from Lake Wendouree, and the emu constellation moves through the night sky as well showing the seasons changing.    

First Nations artist Deanne Gilson said the 22 paintings showcase a personal connection to Ballarat and will welcome all.

“The mural has a deep family connection to me, showing my mother and extended family, as we gathered during the first Welcome to Country,” she said.   

“The Cultural Tree of Knowledge was created to describe the trees and the stories they hold both past and present, intangible and tangible.”   

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the Visitor Information Centre provides information, directions and storytelling of Ballarat to many visitors and locals every day. 

“The Ballarat Town Hall is a vital piece of Ballarat’s welcome experience, and this is an essential first step to supporting and acknowledging our First Nations people,” he said.  

The Ballarat Information Centre and the Acknowledgement of Country mural is open 7 days a week, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm and weekends from 10am to 4pm.

The centre also showcases a range of locally sourced products within the Made of: Ballarat shop and welcomes all visitors and locals to enjoy the space.   

Words & Image: Supplied