A stunning new mural at Jack Mission Oval was officially launched at a moving ceremony attended by students and staff from Ashmont Public School, Wagga Wagga City Council representatives and family members of Aunty Louise Niki, who features in the artwork.
The launch, held on Tuesday 22 October, included a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony, and a cultural dance performance by students from the Waganha Biladha First Nations Dance Group from Ashmont Public School.
The artwork features designs created by Ashmont Public School students in collaboration with artists Amanda Newman and Natalie L Simmons. Aunty Gail Manderson, who gave the Welcome to Country, worked with the students on the project throughout the design and painting process.
The central feature of the design is a serpent shedding its skin to symbolise rebirth into a safe place, as well as a trail of footprints from the students walking alongside goanna tracks, symbolising their journeys on country.
It also includes the portrait of Aunty Louise Niki, who was the Aboriginal Education Officer at Ashmont Public School for more than 20 years. The decision to include the portrait was a result of consultation with the school and family of Aunty Louise Niki.
Her sister Ruth Davys spoke at the ceremony, accompanied by one of Aunty Louise's sons, Carl Niki, who had travelled from Queensland for the occasion.
"Louise loved her job and her role in supporting students and families and this wider community of Ashmont," Ruth Davys said. "She was always there to help others.
"Louise loved to share who she was, share her knowledge and her culture, but most importantly, she loved being part of the start of a little person's life journey and watched them grow in their own cultural identity.
"Louise was a very special person who loved and honoured her family and community, and as you can see, she's left a lasting legacy in so many people who will remember her forever."
In her speech, Assistant Principal at Ashmont Public School Susan Brasier said Aunty Louise had left behind many fond memories of her dedication to culture and students, staff, and community over her two decades at the school.
"She passed away in 2019 but her legacy continues, and in recognition of her dedication to the school and the local community, her name was put forward to be honoured in the mural," Ms Brasier said.
"Aunty Louise's portrait watches over the school against a backdrop of the Emu constellation, symbolizing the guidance of past Elders."
Other features of the mural include: the Murrumbidgee River, the stories of Gobbagombalin and Pomingalarna, and the colour palette of the Aboriginal flag.
Council Cultural Officer Lauren Reynolds said the Neighbourhood Engagement program in Council's Public Art Plan is about improving local neighbourhoods in Mount Austin, Ashmont, Tolland and Kooringal.
"We have already completed an earlier project in Mount Austin in 2023 and now it's Ashmont's turn," Ms Reynolds said.
"By engaging directly with the Ashmont Public School students and community we foster a sense of ownership and pride in the artwork, as well as giving this school community a chance to contribute to its creation."
The next project will be a public artwork in Tolland.
