New Arakwal artwork for Mullum Town Centre

Published on 01 December 2021

Sacred stories of local forest and coastal middens will be brought to life by Arakwal artists, Nickolla (pictured above) and Kaitlyn Clark, on four pavement sections around the intersection of Burringbar Street and Stuart Street in November and December, weather permitting.

The artworks are part of Council’s Talking Street trial which is testing new ideas and ways to turn Burringbar Street and the Mullumbimby town centre into a more attractive, safe and people-friendly public space.  The project has been made possible thanks to a grant from the NSW Government's Streets and Shared Spaces program.

“The artworks depict symbolism of sacred and significant areas of Country, like Gabanbaa - thick forest and coastal middens.  They will highlight the importance these places hold, as they are now under threat,” Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (Arakwal) General Manager, Ross Tregidga said.

“Arakwal Elders fought hard to preserve and protect all of Country, so bringing these designs through in our artwork holds a lot of cultural integrity and expression, alongside respect for the work they taught and upheld on Country,” he said.

Council’s Project Planner, Isabelle Hawton said Byron Shire Council was proud to work with the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal Corporation to jointly share, promote and respect local indigenous culture.

“We are very excited and privileged to be working with Nickolla and Kaitlyn to bring these sacred, cultural stories to life on the streets of Mullumbimby,” she said.

The artworks will be painted in four sections, starting on the corner outside of Santos at the Burringbar and Stuart Street intersection.  The artists will working between the hours of 8am and 4pm for around four weeks, weather permitting.

Pedestrians may be diverted around the work at various times and are asked to follow any signage up around the site.

For more information on the project go to www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/talkingstreettrial