Adelaide murals a reminder that ‘renewal is always possible’
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
The Salvation Army has unveiled a new series of Indigenous murals at several of its Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support programs in Adelaide.
The murals are the work of a team from Marra Dreaming, an Aboriginal art collective based in the northern suburbs of the South Australian capital.
Social Mission State Manager Kim Herbert commissioned the murals – which are on display in Whitmore Square in the CBD – for programs including Kurlana Padnipadninya (New Journey), Warrondi (The Way Out) Engage and Link (WEL) Day and the Sobering-Up Unit,
Kim said she wanted to freshen the area outside the entrance to the Kurlana Padnipadninya program where staff often park, and which is located next to the WEL Day program lawn.
She had also become aware that Sobering-Up Unit Team Leader Kirsten Pennington wanted to install another mural in the men’s courtyard area of the unit.
The works in progress, and the new painting in the Sobering-Up Unit (right). Images: Supplied
After doing some research, Kim came across Marra Dreaming, and began discussing the idea. She explained the purpose of the programs and services, and the journey clients take as they move through the different services.
She said the artists at Marra Dreaming understood the vision she was seeking to convey, and recommended the fence on which the large mural is mounted be painted black, to ensure the artwork stood out.
“I was so pleased that we did, because it’s really made it pop, and it looks fantastic,” she said.
Challenge to change The artists provided the story behind the work, and in the mural outside the Kurlana Padnipadninya program, the artists said the “long winding journey lines” represented the individual’s journey of moving through challenges toward change.
The artwork has been completed in natural ochre colours, earth-derived pigments used by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years in ceremony, body painting and rock art.
“Along the way, meeting places show moments of connection, where people are supported, guided, and linked with services, culture and community,” the artists wrote.
“As the journey progresses toward the end, the pathways draw closer together, symbolising how support becomes stronger and more connected through trust, support and community. All the different coloured sections in the background represent burnt country and the burnt tones of the land, acknowledging hardship, loss and disruption, while also honouring resilience and regeneration. The animals and plants depicted represent Aboriginal Peoples’ strong connection to the land, the water and all of its animals.”
According to the artists from Marra Dreaming, the mural at the Sobering-Up Unit is also reflective of a journey, where the individual is supported through a difficult period.
“The flowing journey lines represent people arriving from many directions, carrying heavy experiences, and being gently guided toward calm and stability,” the artists wrote.
“The meeting place with people around it symbolises moments of support, care and time to rest – where people are held and helped. The background with different coloured sections represents burnt country. Just as land recovers after fire, people too can recover after hardship.
“The mural reminds us that healing begins with safety, patience and connection, and that renewal is always possible.”
The artworks were completed by four artists over a five-month period, with the long mural outside Kurlana Padnipadninya extending 20 metres in length.
“We are so thankful to Kim and everyone at The Salvation Army for the opportunity to share our art in a meaningful way,” the artists wrote.
“We hope it can support The Salvation Army’s mission and message to positively impact people in their programs, and we hope to work with you all again in the future.”
