Kaiela Arts, an Aboriginal art centre located on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton, Victoria, is proud to announce the launch of Gundja Woka Wala | Home on Country by the Waters, a bold new public artwork by proud Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara and Wemba Wemba artist Tahnee Day.
The artwork, which will transform the windows of Kaiela Arts into a bright expression of Country, culture and community in the heart of Shepparton, will be officially unveiled at a public celebration on Friday November 13 from 6pm to 8pm at Kaiela Arts, 530 Wyndham Street, Shepparton, bringing together community, artists, partners and supporters for an evening of music, food, conversation and cultural celebration.
Gundja Woka Wala grew out of a new partnership between Kaiela Arts and the John Truscott Design Foundation, with Tahnee Day selected as the recipient of the 2026 John Truscott Prize.
The project represents a powerful collaboration between contemporary First Nations artistic practice and design excellence, creating a significant new public artwork that connects people to the stories, histories and living culture of Yorta Yorta Country.
Through a visual language of symbols and linework, Tahnee's artwork honours the relationship between Yorta Yorta people, the Kaiela river system and the generations who have cared for Country.
The work references the Cummeragunja Walk-Off, Elders as keepers of knowledge, scar trees, Bayadherra (long-neck turtle), Baiami the rainbow serpent and the waterways that continue to sustain life, culture and community.
"For me, this piece represents a reminder of the continuation of the Yorta Yorta peoples' connection to Country, waters, community and the importance of teaching younger generations how to care for it, as well as each other," Day said.
"The symbols throughout the work tell stories of our history, our Elders, our cultural knowledge and the connections that continue to be passed down through generations.
"The launch also marks a new partnership between Kaiela Arts and the John Truscott Design Foundation, founded on a shared commitment to supporting ambitious creative practice and meaningful public engagement through art and design."
John Truscott Design Foundation chair Andrew Walsh AM said what drew the Truscott Foundation to Kaiela Arts was the integrity of its artist-led, community-embedded practice.
"What drew the Truscott Foundation to Kaiela Arts is the integrity of its artist-led, community-embedded practice, where culture and the arts are intrinsically connected," he said.
"This aligns closely with the John Truscott Foundation's commitment to championing design excellence and public art that resonates within the civic realm.
"Tahnee Day's work reflects that intersection with clarity and strength; grounded in culture, yet engaging powerfully with public space and audience."
For Kaiela Arts the project affirms the value of partnerships that invest in First Nations artists and create opportunities for cultural storytelling to be shared in public spaces.
"Gundja Woka Wala is a powerful expression of Tahnee's artistic practice and cultural knowledge," said Kaiela Arts curator and gallery manager Chloe Jones.
"Through this partnership, we've been able to support the development of a major public artwork that celebrates Yorta Yorta stories while activating the centre of Shepparton with contemporary First Nations design and creativity. We're excited to share this significant work with our community.
Visitors to the launch will also have the opportunity to take a piece of the story home with the release of a new merchandise collection featuring Tahnee Day's artwork.
Community members are warmly invited to attend this free event.
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