Dja Dja Wurrung artwork displayed on the revitalised Bendigo City campus

Designed in partnership with Djandak and the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, the use of Waa in Bendigo TAFE's new buildings signifies its importance as a vital knowledge keeper to Dja Dja Wurrung people.

More news: Victoria yet to announce fifth lockdown easing

It is hoped, the wisdom of Waa, the crow, will guide Bendigo TAFE students, staff, and the local community from its prominent position high on the facade of one of the TAFE's newest buildings.

Waa is one of two primary moieties that make up Dja Dja Wurrung cultural and belief systems.

The multi-storey image of Waa was designed by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illam Wurrung artist, Mandy Nicholson, and has now been installed.

Dja Dja Wurrung Group chief executive officer Rodney Carter said the facade would increase awareness and knowledge of Dja Dja Wurrung among the wider community.

"It is comforting to be looked after and be appreciated for who we are; we are all students on life's journey," he said.

"Waa is a reminder of respect and recognition, gazing upon all that come to the grounds of Bendigo TAFE to grow in knowledge."

The works are part of the $60 million Bendigo City Campus Revitalisation Project.

The facade also features layers of Country patterns, which depict the resilience of Dja Dja Wurrung people through the passage of time and their continued connection to Djandak (Country).

Elements of the Dja Dja Wurrung seasonal calendar will showcase how the landscape changes over time to provide indicators for Dja Dja Wurrung people to hunt and harvest food, with landscaping due for completion in early August.

Bendigo TAFE chief executive officer Sally Curtain said Waa was now a defining feature of the revitalised campus.

Other news:

"Bendigo TAFE is proud to be recognising and showcasing the traditional land ownership of our city campus in the design of our new buildings," she said.

"We sincerely thank Djandak and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation for partnering with us to create such beautiful and memorable design elements that will be valued and appreciated by many for years to come."

The revitalised campus will also introduce a new Indigenous Education Centre, named Djjimbayang, in consultation with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, which means teaching and learning.

Construction works began in February 2020 and will be completed and opened to the community from next month.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: