Moama Public School showing its true colours

The symbolism used throughout are inclusive of all students with the non-Indigenous children’s names written in the leaves, the Aboriginal students’ hand prints in the tree trunk and the teachers’ hands in the river.

Artist Neva Atkinson said the mural was a metaphor for the need for inclusion and education.

‘‘The scar tree represents the Indigenous kids to symbolise the roots of the country and if you don’t look after the tree the leaves will die,’’ she said.

‘‘Teachers are the river because without water the trees won’t grow.

‘‘The river never stops flowing like or education will never stop.

‘‘The emus and turtles are the totems of this area.

‘‘Aboriginal art is always in aerial view and this is a map of Echuca, Moama and Barmah.’’

Taking almost three weeks to complete the mural incorporates emu feathers, twine and rocks for a 3D effect. The school is planning on adding a cover to the mural to prevent damage in the near future.

Neva’s daughter Deda Atkinson was also involved in creating the mural and used her patience and skills to add the fine line work to the huge piece.

The mother and daughter duo are thrilled with how the piece has turned out.

‘‘As I drove up this morning and saw it standing up I just thought wow,’’ Neva said.

‘‘It looks awesome.’’

Moama Public School principal Scott McKenzie is proud to have the mural in place as it embraces everything his school stands for.

‘‘We really embrace inclusion here at Moama Public and the mural promotes just that,’’ he said.

‘‘To quote Neva, we’ve got people who are black, white, red and yellow.

‘‘At Moama Public we’ve got Aboriginal kids and non-Indigenous kids and we want to really celebrate the inclusiveness we have.’’

To see more of Neva’s work head to facebook.com/Akoriginal-Art-Craft-471624903013719/