Graduation for Indigenous students

The story of this painting named Awabakal is underpinned by the four principles of the Indigenous Student Charter, which are expressed as four message sticks holding the knowledges of Being and Becoming, Being and Belonging, Cultural Responsiveness, and Indigenous Perspectives and Standpoints.

The emu and kangaroo tracks

The tracks on the message sticks represent the students' journey forward mimicking the gait of the emu and kangaroo as they are both only able to walk forward.

The manna gum leaves

The leaves represent our connection to land, the beautiful lands of the Wurundjeri people.

The circle

The circle supporting the message sticks represents the coming together to listen and learn to share building strong relationships and understanding the importance of a diverse range of cultural knowledge and perspectives that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students bring.

The red space

The red space represents the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their connections to Mother Earth. The different surrounding dots are supportive of the unique relationship with the wider Swinburne community encouraging connectivity, inclusivity and a profound sense of belonging.

The tree

The tree symbolises a holistic way of teaching and shared ways of being connected. It incorporates growth and an inclusive learning environment.

The journey pathway

The pathway across the painting represents the students' journey, their ways of walking together and respectful shared connections. The circles along the pathways promote active participation and engagement through empowering self-confidence, courage, resilience and strength along their pathways to success.