Reconciliation in Action

Last term, we welcomed Harley Hall, a local Indigenous artist, to work with our Connect group and other children on the creation of our very own mural. Harley is a proud member of the Ngarrindjeri Kokatha/Wirangu family, with strong Kaurna and Narungga bloodlines. He grew up on Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Country, learning culture from his family and Elders, and now works to keep traditions alive through his art.

Our completed mural, located near the tennis court ramp, beautifully enhances this space and serves as a lasting reminder of culture, connection and community. Harley has also shared the meaning behind the mural through his artist statement.

St Paul Aboriginal Artwork – Harley Hall

This artwork represents the journey from before time, through life and living, to the present day. It acknowledges that Culture is continuous—carried through our Ancestors, Country, animals, stories and community—and reminds us that everything is connected.

The land, animals and yakka bushes represent our deep connection to Country. They remind us that Country is not separate from us; it provides life, identity, knowledge and belonging. When we care for Country, we also care for the animals, our communities and one another. This connection teaches us about responsibility, respect and the importance of looking after what has been passed down to us for future generations.

The kangaroo and emu represent strength, hope and the importance of continuing to move forward through life. Their presence within the artwork encourages us to remain positive, resilient and focused on the journey ahead, while carrying the knowledge and strength of those who walked before us.

The eagles represent leadership, strength and vision. They remind us that leadership can take many forms and that we all have the ability to be leaders in our own way. Leadership is not only about guiding others; it is also about making positive choices, supporting those around us and using our individual strengths to contribute to community.

The handprints within the moon acknowledge our Ancestors and the generations who came before us. They remind us that the footprints we walk in today were created through the strength, knowledge and resilience of our old people. We are blessed with the opportunity and responsibility to continue their journey, while creating pathways for the generations still to come.

Throughout the artwork, the community symbols bring everyone together. They represent people gathering, sharing knowledge, supporting one another and maintaining strong relationships. They reinforce the understanding that although we each have our own individual journeys, we remain connected through Culture, Country and community.

The basket weaving carries a powerful message of strength and unity. A single strand on its own can be fragile, but when many strands are woven together, they become strong. This represents our families, communities and cultures—when we stand together, support one another and share our strengths, we become stronger as a collective.

At its heart, this artwork is about Culture, connection, leadership, resilience and belonging. Every element is connected, just as we are connected to our Ancestors, to Country, to the animals, to community and to future generations. It honours the past, acknowledges who we are today, and carries a message of strength and hope as we continue moving forward together.