A new mural at Wee Waa High School is helping to celebrate identity, culture and student aspirations, with the artwork officially unveiled during a community event in regional New South Wales earlier this month.
The town of Wee Waa, known as Australia's cotton capital, is located in the rich farming region of the Lower Namoi Valley in north-west New South Wales.
Titled A New Journey, the mural was created by local Indigenous artist Ethan Towns in collaboration with students from the school.
The artwork traces the journey of an Aboriginal student from early childhood through each stage of school life.
Wee Waa High School has a significant First Nations student population and has developed a strong focus on cultural inclusion within the school community.
The mural was designed using ideas and input from students, with the artwork reflecting the experiences, interests and ambitions that are important to them.
Relieving principal Nichole Maloy said the mural was deeply shaped by student voices and reflected the importance of culture within the school community.
"All the images are from student input, showing the things that mean the most to them as they make their way through school," Ms Maloy said.
"Central to the mural is a smoke plume with images of what's important to the students, from their work in class, creative work, sports and home time."
The mural features a night sky backdrop incorporating Aboriginal constellations and storytelling, while also exploring how student interests and goals change throughout different stages of their lives.
The school said the artwork symbolised both continuity and new beginnings as students move through the school's new campus.
In a post shared on social media, Wee Waa High School said the mural represented "a vibrant celebration of identity, growth, and connection".
"It captures the way interests and aspirations evolve over time, while culture remains a steady, guiding force - symbolising both continuity and fresh beginnings at our new campus," the school said.
The school said Towns worked closely with students and Aboriginal Education Officer, Helen Wenner, during the creation process, with students contributing stories, ideas and reflections about what the school means to them.
"Throughout the process, Ethan worked closely with our students and AEO Helen Wenner, sharing stories, ideas, and reflections on what our school truly means to them," the post read.
"The result is a deeply meaningful piece that speaks to community, belonging, and journey."
The mural also stands out for its use of custom fluorescent UV paint, making it one of only a small number of outdoor fluorescent UV Indigenous murals in Australia.
Community members, staff and students attended the unveiling event, with the school thanking those involved in helping bring the project together.
