Aboriginal corporation’s new mural celebrates culture, connection and community

Callan Morse
Callan Morse Published September 3, 2025 at 9.30am (AWST)

The stories of Tasmania's Aboriginal people are being shared through a new mural in the state's north-west.

Unveiled at Smithton's Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC), the artwork is rich in meaning and symbolism, offering a visual story of the 12 tribes of the north-west nation and the songlines which connected them across Country.

The artwork was created in partnership between CHAC and local Indigenous artist and proud Bundjalung woman, Gypsy Draven.

Featuring yarning circles, waterways, and sacred places, the mural speaks to deep cultural ties and enduring connections.

Animal figures are prominent in the artwork, each chosen with care to reflect the inseparable relationship between land, sea, and sky.

They include the wombat, which embodies resilience and belonging to Country, the wedge-tailed eagle, which watches over the skies as a guardian of ancestors, and the stingray, which glides gracefully through waters that mirror the pathways of time.

CHAC says together, they honour the ancient and ongoing responsibility to care for Country in all its forms.

"This mural is more than artwork—it is a living story," CHAC's Rochelle Godwin said.

"It reflects who we are, where we come from, and the deep connections that continue to guide our community today. We are proud to share this with all who visit CHAC."

Elements of the mural also highlight the significance of the region's Arthur and Pieman Rivers and the sacred mountain Preminghana, located on Tasmania's far north-west tip.

Stars also feature, acknowledging the first astronomers of the land who mapped the seasons, journeys, and stories written across the night sky.

The mural forms part of CHAC's façade upgrade, which has been designed to strengthen the visitor experience at the organisation.

Standing as a vibrant expression of culture, identity, and unity, the mural is an enduring reminder that land, water, and sky are not separate, but one interconnected whole.

CHAC says it marks the beginning of the Aboriginal corporation's vision to create a welcoming, meaningful space that honours Aboriginal culture and history for generations to come.

The mural was made possible through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) through its Strengthening Rural Communities program.

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