The Many Layers of Home and Heart
Many Rivers Aboriginal Housing’s new artwork, The Many Layers of Home and Heart, is displayed proudly in our Port Macquarie office. Described as “beautiful, it’s the heart of the people who walked before, walk now, and those who will in the future for Many Rivers”. The mural is an exceptional representation of the community we support and are a part of.
Our why
For Many Rivers, the mural was designed to be part of our ‘why’, meaning why we do what we do, both as an organisation and individually. Our why is that we are committed to building a better future, providing education for change, and giving something back to the community.
When working with the artists, Mel Streater and Corina Latimore, to create the mural we also wanted to represent our organisational priorities. To find this out we spoke to the entire Many Rivers team and determined that building relationships with the community and culture, increasing training and employment opportunities, and sharing experiences of being Aboriginal in Australia were core elements of achieving our goals and purpose.
What our team has to say
What motivates the Many Rivers team and excites you about the future of the organisation?
- “I love a challenge and I love the variety of partnering groups that we assist.” – Cheryl M
- “I enjoy helping tenants get the quality houses they deserve. I’m excited about getting more offices and staff – helping us to become a bigger organisation.” – Cheryl C
- “I look forward to walking in the door to Many Rivers every day, it is such a comfortable and supportive workplace environment. I am excited about becoming a part of the Many Rivers future journey.” – Kathy G
- “I enjoy working in an office where there are connections to culture and community. I haven’t really felt that when working in mainstream organisations. I am excited about our new office that will be opening soon, and welcoming new staff in due course, so we can continue to make a difference in the community.” – Narelle A
What does the mural mean to you?
- “Pride.” – Cheryl C
- “The mural represents connections, belonging and growth, but in particular I feel connections to culture and community from the mural.” – Kathy G
- “I love the mural! It is so bright and cheerful and a daily reminder of all our journeys and why we are here.” – Narelle A
About the mural
Our footprint stretches over many nations from the Hunter Valley in the south, to the Tweed Coast in the north and inland to the Moree Plains and the New England, and the mural captures the many elements represented by our community within this footprint. Mel, one of the talented artists who created the mural, has said:
“We really wanted to be inclusive of everyone from all walks of life, so we decided to paint elements of Country; from mountains to rivers, to trees and animals.
This mural place is a virtual representation of Country. Just like that of people and life, Country has many delicate nuanced layers and elements. It can be complex and challenging, fragile and beautiful.
The journey lines may not always be straight, and can often diverge in ways we didn’t anticipate, but it is important to honour the journey and the paths we have taken; the treacherous ones, and those that lead us home, to Country, Culture, Connection and to Community.
Each of these experiences and places take a little piece of us and we take a little of them. And when we step back and look at all these parts together, we see the journey map of our life and just how far we have come.
Not only does this mural represent the motivations and strivings of the employees at Many Rivers, but also the journeys and various pathways of their clients.”
The talented artists
Both Mel and Corina have been creating art for many years as a method of storytelling that reflects their heritage and culture. They met while completing their Cultural Arts Certificate at Wauchope TAFE and began collaborating on projects shortly after. By working together, they bring a combined level of creativity and alternate perspectives which helps bring their art to life.