Indigenous mural at Edgecliff

We are excited to present a stunning new Indigenous mural at Edgecliff Preparatory School. During the holidays, Headmaster, Mr Simon Bailey, and Mr Adrian Maglione, who is a member of the Cultural Awareness Committee at the School, collaborated with the Nyumbar Group to create the mural. The focus of the work was to portray the School’s values of Respect, Resilience, Honesty and Curiosity while connecting us to the land on which we are situated. After much discussion, a decision was made that Darigan would be the perfect piece to reflect these concepts.

The mural’s name comes from the Minjungbal Bundjalung language, symbolising the journey taken by our boys as they navigate through their journey from Edgecliff to College Street. The yellow and black colour scheme was specifically chosen to represent the School’s colours. Darigan is more than just a mural; it represents the School’s commitment to cultural awareness and community spirit. The artwork serves as a daily reminder for pupils and staff to acknowledge and appreciate the rich Indigenous history of the land we share.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the artists, Deslyn Marsh and her team from the Nyumbar Group. Deslyn is a proud Bundjalung woman hailing from Fingal and Tweed Heads in northern New South Wales. She has practised both contemporary and traditional Aboriginal culture, and her art focuses on her belief in the importance of cultural education in building a more inclusive and respectful society. Her work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect.

Darigan is located on the first level of the School, opposite the art room. We encourage all pupils, staff and visitors to take a moment to appreciate this remarkable piece of art and reflect on its significance. The mural not only enhances our school environment but also deepens our understanding of Indigenous culture, reminding us of the importance of history, identity and the stories that shape us.

Pictured in header: Detail of Darigan