Newhaven College acquires new indigenous artworks

This year, Newhaven College commissioned two artworks from local indigenous artist Steve Ulula Parker from Millowl Dreaming. Steve’s artworks can be seen at different locations around the school, for everyone to share and enjoy.

College Principal, Tony Corr, asked Steve how he reacted when asked to make the pieces.

“I was quite honoured to produce these paintings and connect the local community with students,” Steve replied.

He sees the Year 12s as “the ones who are leading the charge within the school, setting a great example for the younger bupups.”

Steve spoke about his involvement with Newhaven College over the years, one being the annual Welcome to Country at the Year 9 Environmental Centre.

“I do smoking ceremonies with the Year 9 students, welcoming them traditionally to our country and calling Bunjil (ancestral Wedge-tailed Eagle), our creator. Bunjil always turns up, right on time and flies above us as I do the ceremony.” Steve said.

“The school honours Bunjil and our country with the teachers sharing knowledge with the younger generation. It's about looking after the children on country. This is what all the teachers and the older students are doing with mentoring and passing on knowledge.”

Steve explains the significance of Millowl, Phillip Island, to the region.

“When you look at a map of Boonwurrung country, Phillip Island is shaped like our country – from Werribee river, right down to Wamoon.

“Auntie Caroline, our elder, has always said that we're sitting in the heart and lungs of Boonwurrung.”

The impact of Steve’s artworks is widespread. Newhaven College’s chaplain Reverend Ian Turnnidge said:  “These pieces of art are not to be looked at. They are there to dwell with. So, when you pass them … stand and read them. Allow them to come into you and allow their stories to shape us.”

As a community committed to continual learning and growth, Newhaven College will draw on the wisdom and strength inherent in this special space and commit to building a brighter future together. As Steve concluded, “It's about working together with all our different mobs, but also with the non-indigenous people, who are wanting to stand with us and walk forward.”

Newhaven College acknowledges the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the land where the school now sits.