Bearing the name of a warrior, Dapto High School student Quooyarn Dingo-Donovan couldn't be prouder of the school's latest mural.
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He joined fellow Indigenous students and renowned Aboriginal artist Darren Dunn to paint the mural.
"I'm very proud," the Year 10 student said. "This is something my ancestors would have been doing for generations and thousands of years so it gives me a sense of proudness to continue that tradition and custom."
Fellow student Caleb Donald was also proud of how much the team was able to accomplish in just 10 weeks.
"it signifies my culture," he said. "I didn't really know much about my culture because it was from my dad's side and he hasn't been in my life much.
"Darren Dunn has helped me a lot in my life and that helps me identify with my culture."
Aboriginal education officer Anne Martin said the mural was taking pride of place at the front of the school.
"We've created this whole new area. It is a welcoming site for anyone coming into the school. Apart from the mural, we also have a garden which will be filled with native flora plants. It is going to be a great area for all students, especially Aboriginal students to sit and reflect," she said.
Almost 100 Indigenous students attend Dapto High with another 21 Year 7 students coming in 2021, much to the delight of principal Andrew FitzSimons.
"We are very proud. It feels like the Indigenous community in this area is trusting us to do a good job with their students. And we are honoured and that engagement is energising us," he said.
"This mural right at the front of the school says everything Indigenous is important at Dapto High School.
"We are on the move and of course all of us need to be involved in the Indigenous culture of our country.
"Ninety-five students identify as Indigenous but 1000 of us need to learn about our history and make a better effort. And, this wonderful piece of art, positioned at the front of the school is like waving a flag saying we are on the move."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
