A series of colourful Welcome flags adorns the entrance to Dandenong’s iconic Drum Theatre.
The stunning visual messages were created by four local Aboriginal and Bunurong artists, Uncle Mark Brown, Adam Magennis, Kylie Armstrong and Lakeisha Clayton.
Their creation was celebrated at a special event held in the Drum theatre foyer on March 21. Titled Wominjeka the public event marked National Close the Gap Day and Harmony Day, both important days for the Greater Dandenong community.
National Close the Gap Day acknowledges the ongoing strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in sustaining the world’s oldest living cultures and it advocates for health equality for all. Harmony Day celebrates our cultural diversity, which includes our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Wominjeka means Welcome in languages of the Boonwurrung Bunurong peoples and Woi Wurrung Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. Each artist created an original flag that conveys a heartfelt Welcome message and reflects what performing arts mean to their Culture and Community.
The flags are a visual reminder of the steps we walk towards Reconciliation with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.