Cunnamulla Police have marked the launch of some new artwork with a ceremony welcoming the whole community.
The Look to the Stars artwork has been installed as a mural on the station wall and emblazoned on a local vehicle.
The launch event brought the community together, with travellers from nearby Charleville, Bollon, Eulo and beyond gathering to take part in the celebrations which included a warm Welcome to Country, traditional gundanoo dancers and a smoking ceremony.
The mural, displayed on the front wall of the Cunnamulla Police Station, welcomes all visitors to the station, along with an acknowledgement plaque, respectfully nodding to the traditional custodians of the lands, winds and waters of the region.
The Look to the Stars artwork was created in 2018 in collaboration with a working group representing a cross-section of First Nations people and the Queensland Police Service.
Each element within the artwork has its own deep meaning, which all combine to tell an overall story of the past, present and future of the relationships between police and the community.
A key component of the artwork portrays Sir Robert Peel’s nine principals of policing as stars, embracing the fact that police are the community, and the community are the police.
Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon said the mural and vehicle were important reflections of police’s role in working with the local community.
“This artwork is a vibrant visual reminder of our work with all First Nations peoples throughout Queensland, and it is a positive way to showcase that we can work together towards a shared goal,” Assistant Commissioner Condon said.
“Our sworn police officers and Police Liaison Officers alike will continue their work throughout the Southern Policing Region and beyond, constantly working on developing mutual understanding between police and local communities.”
Acting Officer in Charge of Cunnamulla Station, Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Costelloe said the artwork was a pathway to encourage continued positive relationships between police and the wider Cunnamulla community.
“This station belongs to the people of Cunnamulla, so we wanted to work with them to ensure they were included in the whole process,” Acting Senior Sergeant Costelloe said.
“This is a significant step in continuing to foster our relationship with local First Nations communities in and around Cunnamulla.
“Having the station mural and vehicle adorned with this artwork provides a prominent and persistent reminder to all that we are one community, all seeking to make Cunnamulla a wonderful place to live.”
Learn more about the meaning behind the artwork here: https://looktothestars.mypolice.qld.gov.au/
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