Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Monday, 9 May, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Monday 9th of May, 2022,
Greater Shepparton City Council’s Aboriginal Street Art Project will join with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation (YYNAC) to deliver a new mural on the Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) owned wall fronting Welsford Street.
Council consulted with YYNAC, with its board of Elders determining they would like to recognise two significant Yorta Yorta female Elders in a new mural, being the late Aunty Violet Harrison and late Aunty Mary James. Both ladies are highly regarded local Yorta Yorta Elders and were heavily involved in supporting the local Aboriginal community and abroad.
The mural on the GVW wall, overlooking the CBD, will be painted by returning artist Matt Adnate who has also painted the murals on the GVW walls on Fryers Street and Stewart Street and the DHHS wall on Welsford Street. Matt Adnate is highly regarded amongst the local Aboriginal community due to his previous work and positive dealings within the region.
Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, said she was excited that the next mural of the Aboriginal Street Art Project would recognise a further two significant female Aboriginal leaders.
“We always get excited when a new piece of artwork is being introduced to our municipality that continues to recognise the efforts of the local Aboriginal community,” she said.
Local Yorta Yorta Elder Uncle Lance James, who is the son of Aunty Mary James, said that he was thrilled that both ladies were deservedly being recognised.
“Both Mum (Mary James) and Aunty Violet dedicated a significant portion of their lives to various local initiatives to support our community and they would both be humbled by the honour of featuring in a mural as part of this great project,” he said.
GVW has kindly offered their wall on Welsford Street for this mural given their ongoing support for both the Aboriginal Street Art Project and the Aboriginal community the project continues to recognise.
For more information on the Aboriginal Street Art project, please visit our Aboriginal Street Art project page.
More information regarding Aunty Violet Harrison
Aunty Violet Harrison was born on 24 January 1906 at the Cummeragunja Mission and was the mother to 13 children. She was one of the founding members of the Rumbalara Cooperative, one of the founding members of what was at the time the Shepparton Aboriginal Keeping Place and a long standing member of the Greater Shepparton Aboriginal community.
More information regarding Aunty Mary James
Aunty Mary James was born on 5 October 1913 at the Cummeragunja Mission and was the mother to 14 children. She was one of the founding members of the Rumbalara Cooperative, one of the founding members of the Shepparton Aboriginal Funeral Fund, one of the founding members of the Community Care Program through the Methodist Church, a member of the Rumbalara Housing Board, one of the founding members of the Shepparton Justice and Police Liaison Unit and one of the founding members of what was at the time the Shepparton Aboriginal Keeping Place.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents to take part in consultation opportunities for the revitalisation of the region’s much-loved and iconic KidsTown Adventure Playground. Following significant flood damage in 2022 and the ageing condition… Read more
Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Growth surge opportunity for Greater Shepparton region
Greater Shepparton has recorded one of the most dramatic population shifts in the country, with a 229 per cent year-on-year increase in net internal relocations, driven largely by people moving from capital cities. Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Greater Shepparton celebrates Seniors Festival 2025 this October
Victoria’s largest Seniors Festival returns in October 2025 and Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging older residents to get involved. Read more
Tuesday 9th of September,
Greater Shepparton on the world stage at Asia Fruit Logistica
Greater Shepparton, the Fruit Capital of Australia, was on show at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, the premier trade event for fresh produce across the Asia-Pacific. Read more
Monday 8th of September,
Youth Fest 2025 kicks off across Greater Shepparton with plenty more still to come
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce that Youth Fest 2025 is officially underway, bringing a vibrant line-up of free and low-cost events to young people throughout the month of September. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Thursday 18th of September,
CrAfter Dark at Shepparton Library - Fabric Coffee Cup Sleeve
Get your creative juices flowing and join us for craft, coffee and cake! Read more
Friday 19th of September,
Puff Walk
Let’s walk and talk. Read more
Monday 22nd of September, – to Friday 3rd of October,
FamilyCare Book Inn Book Sale
Our Book Sale has a huge variety of books available, including great titles for children and teenagers. Do yourself a favour and drop in to pick up a bargain. Four books for just $2! Read more
Saturday 20th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Young Picasso Art Competition- Shepparton South Rotary Club
Shepparton South Rotary Club's Young Picasso Art Competition, is an exciting new opportunity for students from primary and secondary schools in the area. Prizes awarded to winning students. Read more
Thursday 18th of September,
Grahamvale Primary School Concert - Years F-2 - Double Act with a Big Impact
View on Riverlinks
Thursday 18th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Legacy of The Horse
Legacy of the Horse – Australia’s Premier Colt Starting Championship, bringing world-class trainers, education, clinics, masterclasses, entertainment, Tatura this September. Read more
See All Events