Stage 3 of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Aboriginal Street Art project will see it join with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation (YYNAC) to deliver a new mural on the DHHS wall fronting Welsford St. The mural which will feature on Welsford Street overlooks the Goulburn River and river gums.
DHHS approached Council with the intention of recognising the local Aboriginal community through the Aboriginal Street Art project by having a mural painted on its wall.
Council consulted YYNAC, with its board of Elders determining they would like to recognise two significant female Elders in the late Aunty Geraldine Briggs and the late Aunty Elizabeth Morgan.
Both ladies are highly regarded Yorta Yorta Elders and were heavily involved in the advocating of rights and support for Aboriginal people.
The mural on the DHHS wall will be painted by returning artist Matt Adnate, who has also painted the murals on the Goulburn Valley Water wall. Mr Adnate is regarded highly amongst the local Aboriginal community due to his previous work and dealings with locals.
Council Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah, said she was excited that the next mural of the Aboriginal Street Art Project would recognise two significant female Aboriginal leaders.
“These two ladies did so much for their community and deserve recognition right throughout our region. I would also like to thank DHHS for partnering with Council on this project, it is sure to be a beautiful piece of art,” Cr Abdullah said.
Kym Peake, Secretary of the Department Health and Human Services said, “The Greater Shepparton community has a rich history of extraordinary Aboriginal leaders. Geraldine Briggs and Elizabeth Morgan were tireless activists for the rights of Aboriginal people. The Department of Health and Human Services shares the commitment to local self-determination to improve outcomes for the people of the Yorta Yorta nation. It is an honour to commemorate these amazing women and to work with their communities”
Chief executive of YYNAC and daughter of Elizabeth Morgan, Monica Morgan, said she was proud of her mother and felt that it was special tribute to a dedicated Cummeragunja woman who did so much for her people.
“I know mum would be humbled by being recognised within her country of Greater Shepparton for her achievements and contribution to the Yorta Yorta people, and her tireless efforts advocating for her people,” Ms Morgan said.
Aunty Frances Mathyssen, eldest child of Geraldine Briggs, said her mother was a special and strong lady and contributed great things to Shepparton and Australia.
“I am proud that mum will feature in a mural, and that she will be recognised in her home town,” said Aunty Frances.
