Leaving their mark: educating our community through visual storytelling
In 2024, Indigenous students Dallas Gray, Harlem Bennell, Heath Hansen, and Tom Wailu, now in Year 9, collaborated with Whadjuk Ballardong Noongar artist Amy McGuire to create a mural that shares their cultural identity and Scotch College Middle School experience.
More than just a piece of art, the mural serves as a powerful form of storytelling, inspiring conversations and fostering a sense of belonging for future Indigenous students.
The meaning behind the mural
At the heart of the mural is a crest, symbolising the school as a meeting place and a home to many young men. Surrounding it are the four students, represented by their family totem, each connected through their Scotch College Education.
Family totems
Dallas' totem is the Barramundi (Namarnkrol), symbolising survival and resilience.
Harlem's totem, the Willy Wagtail (Djiti- Djiti), is representative of the 'news teller' – a sign of good or bad news.
Heath's totem is represented by the Turtle (Goorlil) – a symbol of patience, protection, and a connection to nature.
Tom's totem is also the Turtle (Nam). He is part of the Duareb tribe, and his language group is Meriam Mer.
Torres Strait is home to six of the world's seven turtle species. Throughout the Torres Strait, the Turtle is respected and regarded as a mother (ama).
Representation of our community
The totems are surrounded by their peers, who travel alongside them, each connected by shared experiences within the Middle School community.
Radiating outward, the pathways represent the teachers, staff, parents, and wider community who have guided, educated, and supported the students throughout their Middle School journey.
A lasting impact
Beyond its visual impact, the mural is a lasting representation of respect, identity, and cultural appreciation.
It highlights both individual and shared experiences within the Scotch community, deepening the school's commitment to inclusivity and understanding.
Reflecting on the project, Amy McGuire and the students emphasised the importance of educating both Indigenous and non- Indigenous young people.
By understanding the history, culture, and identity of First Nations peoples, we can foster
"a more loving, harmonious, and understanding [community]"
More than a decoration, this mural stands as a symbol of unity and heritage, a testament to the power of storytelling in strengthening connections.
Its message will resonate long after the paint has dried, encouraging respect, fostering pride, and shaping a culturally aware and accepting community for generations of Scotch boys to come.
