Wurundjeri Council: Judy Nicholson, James MacFayden, Ashley Firebrace-Kerr, Derek Smith                   

Melbourne: Two Worlds is a mural exploring the stories and culture of the Wurundjeri community, depicting Aboriginal peoples’ connection with their ancestral past within a contemporary Melbourne context.

The mural depicts Bunjil the Wedge-tailed Eagle, the creator spirit of all living things including the first people, the rivers, mountains and trees. Other stories depicted also offer insight into the lore that was held strictly by the elders on Country. Wurundjeri people evolved a way of life finely tuned to the local environment. Since much of Melbourne’s flora needs fire to stimulate regrowth and germinate seeds, they worked with fire and not against it. Food gathering was also conducted under the lore of the elders. This was done in a suitable manner and was of paramount importance. Goannas, kangaroos, emus, possums and snakes were speared and eggs collected from waterbirds and emus.

The Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council was established in 1985 by descendants of the Wurundjeri people who are the traditional owners of Melbourne and surrounding country. Their thriving art and craft program enables Wurundjeri members to share and learn about traditional cultural practices.

Wurundjeri community artists Judy Nicholson, James MacFayden, Ashley Firebrace-Kerr and Derek Smith collaborated on the mural Melbourne: Two Worlds.

Melbourne: Two Worlds was originally commissioned for the Laneway Commissions 2011.