Mural at Norwood Hill Recreation Reserve

Norwood Hill playground mural

August 2024

Proud Djaara woman, Daikota Nelson has designed a wall mural as part of the redevelopment of the Norwood Hill Playground.

Council's revitalisation of the only parkland in South Castlemaine has included a new multi-purpose youth zone with parkour challenges, netball/basketball hoops and expansion of the reserve’s parklands.

As a final stage in the project, Council commissioned Daikota Nelson to design a mural for the activity wall on the ball courts, which forms part of the youth zone in the park. The mural aims to make the space welcoming for all park visitors, including young people, children, families, local residents and First Nations communities.

How was the community involved?

Norwood Hill residents living around the park site were provided opportunities to talk to the artist and find out more about the project through a letter drop, three pop-up information sessions in the reserve at peak playtimes which included an online survey, an artist visit to Castlemaine South Kindergarten, and via Council webpages. 

  • 61 residents met the artist 
  • 85% of those surveyed said the project will bring local benefits 
  • 100% of those surveyed learnt more about Djaara culture

Feedback included: 

'I love this idea, I walk through the park everyday with my dog. There are often people and kids playing... some art on that grey wall would be wonderful. Daikota is a great choice of artist.'

'I am very pleased that we will have a Djaara mural at our park, the wall cries out for decoration and to have Daikota’s work here will be wonderfulI welcome any initiative of this kind and hope that this is the first of many diverse approaches to addressing this growing problem.'

'My daughter said "It's gonna look great! It will be much better than a grey wall!" I'm really happy that there is support to enable a project like this: supporting a local indigenous artist, bringing something of Djaara culture to the space and encouraging reflection, bringing colour and beauty to the place. Thank you to all involved.'

About the artist

Daikota is a proud Djaara woman living and working on ancestral lands on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. She has been art-making since 2016, it has always been a part of her family and community. Her work explores her connection to country and what it means to be a contemporary First Nations woman living with continuing connection to culture.

Artist concept for the mural

'The artwork concept for this project is inspired by colours of Country, colours from the landscape and the recreational space within the Norwood Hill Mural Project. The artwork will be about coming together in the community to play, drawing inspiration from the Djaara word ‘Wirima'.

The centre design is layered and reflects growth, to learn to gain knowledge as we grow. The gum leaves within the concept depict age and wisdom, representing the parents, guardians and older community members that bring family here; and a place of sharing and harmony, and coming together.'

Daikota Nelson, artist.

 

This project is proudly supported by Tennis Australia. 

Photo by Craig Gaston.

 

 

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