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headspace Orange-Acknowledgement PlaquePrint Page Print this page

The plaque and artwork acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the office sits and pays respect to Elders past and present. 

All headspaces across the country received the plaques in their local Aboriginal language as an acknowledgement of the land the office sits on and it’s elders, past and present. The stunning plaque and its accompanying artwork, was painted by Riki Salam.

Today headspace Orange had the unveiling of the 'Acknowledgement of Country Plaque' and the beautiful Indigenous Artwork which is now proudly displayed on our reception wall. We had a fantastic morning, meeting so many great people from our Indigenous community. We were so honoured and are extremely grateful for everyone that made the effort to come and join us on this special occassion.
The Artwork Story:
We are connected, red desert sands bring winds of change, Kookaburra calls in a brand new day, and sunlight breaks through, igniting passions.
Pathways lead back to Country we are complete, rhythmic sounds guide us through.
Fire transforms, seed cracks, bottlebrush blossoms we are renewed, Culture is strong.
Mountains form, rivers flow to turquoise seas, freshwater - saltwater. Earth is renewed seasons complete, our knowledge is shared wisdom is imparted. This is our place to grow, we are strong and we are connected.
Beginning at the centre of the artwork the ‘U’ shaped symbols represent two people seated talking, discussing, yarning. Surrounding them are dots that represent their lives and issues that they are dealing with both good and bad.
Larger dots lead along a clear pathway with lines radiating outward representing hope, woven lines strengthen bonds. The surrounding concentric circles represent each State and Territory where headspace are present, supporting young people to live better lives. The circles are connected, knowledge is shared wisdom is imparted, minds are strong, Country is strong when people are strong and connected to Culture. These elements together form a map of the Human brain and also a map of Country and Culture.
When your mind is Strong and your Country and Culture is strong, Cultural pathways radiate outwards and lead to and from the central motif, (Human brain) back to Country and back to Culture that renews and strengthens us.
headspace Orange Facebook, 4 July 2017.

During 2016–17, headspace commissioned we are 27 creative an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design agency and Positive Social Solutions, to develop a bespoke artwork that captures the essence of headspace and its service offerings that are specific to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities. In consultation with the headspace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory committee members and headspace centre staff, the artwork • Mind • Body • Spirit • Culture • Country was created and launched during Reconciliation Week in May 2017. The artwork also provides the backdrop to the headspace Acknowledgement of Country plaques. Each headspace centre developed wording for their plaque, specific and relevant to their local community. This was a targeted engagement initiative to encourage collaborative work with local Elders and community members to acknowledge the Traditional Owners, First Nation Peoples and country where the centre is located. This initiative was driven by the organisation recognising the importance of fostering ongoing respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and to open dialogue around the mental health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in communities.
headspace, Year in Review, 2016-2017.

Location

Address:264 Peisley Street, headspace Orange, Orange, 2800
State:NSW
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -33.279801
Long: 149.104681
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Plaque
Monument Theme:Culture
Sub-Theme:Indigenous
Artist:Riki Salam (We are 27 Creative)

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Tuesday 4th July, 2017
Front Inscription
headspace would like to acknowledge Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people as Australia`s First People
and Traditional Custodians. We value their culture,
identities, and continuing connection to country, waters,
kin and community.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and
are committed to making a positive contribution to the
wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young
people by providing a service that is welcoming safe,
culturally appropriate and inclusive. 
Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au