Moving billboard pays homage to Indigenous journey in Liverpool

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed NAIDOC Week celebrations back to November, Liverpool City Council has moved to acknowledge the region’s Indigenous heritage with a stunning design on a new waste compactor truck.

The truck has been decorated with striking artwork and the message: “Celebrating The Journey Of Aboriginal Culture In The Liverpool Region”.

“This truck will begin winding its way through Liverpool’s streets this month and will spend most of its time in the CBD where it will be seen by the maximum number of people,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“It’s effectively a moving billboard, and this beautiful design will ensure the whole community is reminded that Liverpool stands on the lands of the Darug and Dharawal Nations.

“And while we’re sad the annual NAIDOC Week celebrations, which usually take place in July, have had to be pushed back to November because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we think this message is relevant to every day of every year.”

The message was developed by Council in consultation with the Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

It is the first of six community messages designed for display on Council’s compactor fleet, with the remainder to be completed throughout the rest of the year.

The designs to come include a strong statement condemning violence against women, others talking up the importance of community and connection, and a celebration of Liverpool’s cultural diversity.

NAIDOC Week is held annually in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.