Photo Credits: Nicole Reed & Rasyiddin Faizal
“Meet Me at the Centre” begins with the Maribyrnong River, a lifeline for the community and native flora and fauna. Despite the trauma of the 2022 floods, the river remains a symbol of resilience and connection. Spanning the front of the centre, the mural extends across three walls, depicting a vibrant and diverse group of people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds who have found friendship, safety, and belonging here. These connections are fostered through activities like exercise, card games, knitting, morning tea, English and computer classes, and dancing which have all been captured in the mural.
This mural is a tribute to the role of community centres in fostering safety, resilience, and connection between people and place.
As a guest on unceded Wurundjeri Country, I sought guidance to honour the land, water, animals, and people with respect. “Always Was, Always Will Be” features prominently on the main wall, and on the entrance wall, Uncle Boots is honoured for his significance to the Wurundjeri people and his vital role at the centre.
I spent time at the centre to inform the concept and represent the community authentically. As I painted the mural to evolve organically through interactions with the community and the energy of the space. I observed the groups and individuals coming and going, the warm exchanges between familiar faces, and the lingering moments of post-activity conversations and card games. The mural celebrates these small yet profound interactions and underscores the centre’s role as a meeting place and hub of community life.
