New Mural Unveiled in Kuranda

The Kuranda community is now home to a new colourful and dramatic mural, Bulmba Ngirrma, which incorporates traditional Djabugay language (Ngirrma) and symbols.

Local artist Connie Rovina has taken inspiration from the natural surroundings of Kuranda and the artwork features the Barron River, fish, birds and plants found in the Kuranda area.

Ms Connie Rovina said, “I thoroughly enjoyed researching and connecting with traditional history, language and culture of Kuranda while creating the artwork.”

Mayor Angela Toppin congratulated Connie and members of the community for working together. “Ms Rovina worked with the Djabugay Aboriginal Corporation and traditional owner, Bada Djaygul (Dennis Hunter) around the inclusion of Djabugay cultural heritage within the artwork.”

The project was made possible with funding from the Mareeba Shire Council Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Program. RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

“The RADF funding is supporting the creation of public murals under Council’s Public Mural Action Plan endorsed in May 2022. Projects like this will enhance the visual appeal of our town, while generating community pride, liveability and driving economic development,” Mayor Toppin said.

“The Kuranda Visitor Information Centre Mural is the fifth artwork under the Public Mural Action Plan with a total of eleven public murals planned throughout the Shire over three years.”

“The artwork complements the existing work on the front of the KVIC building “Bulmba Maminga”, created by Zane Saunders, and bring some much-needed colour to this space, which is adjacent to a busy walkway leading into Centenary Park.”

“I’m sure this will be enjoyed for generations to come by locals and especially visitors to our region,” Mayor Toppin concluded.