A mural commissioned by the City of Monash and painted by Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba artist Tom Day, has been painted on a previously blank canvas ─ the southern wall of Monash Council’s Atkinson Street carpark in Oakleigh.

Titled Nanyubak artist Tom Day explained his concept at a briefing in the old Council Chambers late in 2023. History Monash Inc President felt honoured to be part of the community group which provided input to the design.
While Oakleigh was unfamiliar to him, Tom Day had spent time prior absorbing its cultures and understanding the Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung of the eastern Kulin people. The depth of the mural’s symbolism was evident as he spoke, saying that he sought to represent the totemic system that identified people whose moieties, Bunjil the Eagle and Waa the Raven, protectors of the Kulin Nation, watched over the waterways {Scotchman’s Creek} welcoming all to the lands of the Traditional Owners.

The event on 13 February 2024, just ahead of the wild storm that occurred on that day, included a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony and heartfelt speeches from the Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Environment and Minister for Outdoor Recreation and Member for Oakleigh; from Cr Nicky Luo who in her own words remarked that she is the first Chinese Mayor of Monash; and from the mural artist himself, Tom Day.

L to R. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Tom Day, Cr Nicky Luo.
Photo: H. Gobbi