Mariyang Malang ‘Onward Together’
This project is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
In 2014/15, Saretta received funding from Arts NSW Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund.
The project was to create a unique piece celebrating relationship, reconciliation and the working together in partnership that has taken place between Lake Macquarie City Council and our local Aboriginal community, over many years.
“There is a long history of collaboration between council and our community and it is wonderful to share this story through contemporary art. As a local Aboriginal Artist growing up in Lake Macquarie, it was an honour to have the opportunity to gift this work to council.” Saretta noted.
During NAIDOC Week, Saretta invited local elders and local MP Greg Piper to join her in finishing the artwork. Saretta was joined by over 20 community members including State MP, Greg Piper, Awabakal Ltd. CEO, Raylene Gordon, Yarnteen board member - Pat Capper, Westlake Elders, Zelma Moran, Bob Smith, community members, Donna Meehan, Ella Poulter.
Wolawola Mariyang Malang – Go Forward Together
This vibrantly coloured artwork endeavours to capture and bring to life the beauty, diversity and connections of Aboriginal people and the valuable partnerships across the community of Lake Macquarie, (my home) over the past years.
Songlines depicting generations past, present and future and contribution to keeping our cultural alive are interwoven throughout the backdrop are also symbolic of local country including our lush bush land and the Watagan Mountains. Lake Macquarie and the many waterways found throughout our area are at the very top of the piece, while the East Coast is displayed across the bottom of the artwork.
Large meeting circles at the top of the story show Aboriginal community groups and family clan groups, while at the bottom we see smaller coming together circle symbolic of Government, Corporate and Private sectors that have engaged with our community over the years. Across the very center the flowing circles connecting our community with all sectors, are the programs carried out within our community in partnership with others.
This artwork celebrates going forward together and signifies respect relationships, sharing of cultures and leaving amazing opportunities for our future generations.
Testimonials
DEBORAH GUION, HEAD OF CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
WINC
When we were looking for a unique Indigenous artwork for our office, Saretta quickly become our choice of artist to tell Winc’s story.
I can highly recommend her professionalism and collaborative approach – her finished artwork speaks for itself.
LISA WARREN, SENIOR HR BUSINESS PARTNER
Hunter Water
Working with Saretta and her team to develop the artwork for our Reconciliation Action Plan has been an absolute pleasure. Saretta’s warmth and generosity made the process incredibly informative, contemplative and enjoyable.
Danielle Gentles, Project Manager
NSW Communities and Justice
It has been a fabulous journey from the beginning in the workshop and now to have the opportunity to have our story evolve into this beautiful artwork which has a direct linkage and connection to all of us.
Jill Murray, Head of Marketing & Communications
Arcadis
Thank you Saretta and John for all your help with artwork and creatives for our Reconciliation Action Plan.
We really wanted to tell a creative visual story, and we really appreciated that you took the time to work with us and understand what we wanted to convey.