The Ongoing Journey

The big circle in the centre symbolises the ongoing journey of truth-telling and education of the oldest and continuous living culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for 80,000 + years have told stories, shared ceremonial practices, shared recipes and educated people via paintings.

At the of bottom piece there are sand hills and the ocean. For Ruby and many other Aboriginal people the ocean plays an important role of supporting mental wellbeing.

As someone who who grew up by the ocean her entire life she have noticed that every time she went out for a swim or a surf she felt cleansed. This is why during her work as a mental health worker she ensures that the young people she works with have access to swimming and surfing.

At the top of the artwork, there are the stars, Bunjil the Creator and three symbols that represent a man, a woman and a person. Bunjil is the creator spirit of Wadawurrung lands and the people which this art piece was created on and where Ruby has grown up and learnt about her culture.

The artwork was commissioned in 2023 to celebrate the commitment YMCA Geelong has to the traditional owners and the stories of their peoples’ connection to the land, water and sky.

Through the Y’s work in the community we honor and respect country and believe in the power of inspired young people and the role we each play in their ongoing journey.