Vibrant PCYC mural showcases County, connection and togetherness

A mural featuring Aboriginal artwork and language has given a Bunbury youth facility a fresh new look.

The artwork on the Bunbury PCYC building features six circular paintings about connection and belonging, using Noongar and English words to caption the theme of each circle.

Painted animal prints and pathways then join the circles together, representing the interconnectedness of people to country.

The mural was painted in five days by local Aboriginal artist Glen Garlett as part of Mental Health Week.

It was created through a partnership between the South West Aboriginal Medical Service’s Youth Committee and its new Wariny Koop Bidi Marts, or Making Good Pathways program, in conjunction with the Bunbury PCYC’s SafeSPACE program.

SWAMS chief executive Lesley Nelson said she was proud of how well the mural had come together.

“This is an incredible piece of artwork that will be viewed by so many people as they drive by or come to connect at the Bunbury PCYC,” Ms Nelson said.

“Artworks like this are so important to mental health, well-being, place-making and connection.”

“I am proud that our SWAMS Youth Committee and our program partners have contributed this to the community as part of Mental Health Week and the Wariny Koop Bidi Marts program.”

PCYC manager Justine Feather said the mural’s location, on the west wall facing Parade Road, was perfect.

“The Mural really showcases what can be achieved when people work together,” she said.

“We hope (the mural helps) to engage youth in the local community while increasing support and resilience of the wider Bunbury community.”