09/07/2026
Blak Pearl was commissioned to assist the Neighbourhood Justice Centre make culture visible and inclusive across the courts - an objective from their Self-Determination Action Plan.
They were keen to pursue this in a manner that would be meaningful for the community that they serve, and in a manner that followed proper cultural protocols. We were lucky to have the expertise of Wuurndjeri Woi Wurrung Elders to guide this process. Uncle Ronald (Ringo) Terrick) and Uncle Frank (Dootrule) Wandin provided insight from the perspective of people who have experienced the justice system and have also attended court at NJC. They helped provide the scope for this stage of works, including what a user of the service would be experiencing, and ways to mitigate that experience through culture. We also had creative and cultural guidance from Aunty Kim Wandin - a fabulous artist with a large public art portfolio. She assisted the artists with their designs and provided an additional layer of mentorship. Proud Gunditjmara Gunai Yorta Yorta Man Raymond Young was commissioned to design and install two murals on the ground level - one for the inside and one for the smokers of the gathering space.
The outside mural “represents the strength and undying resolve of our culture, for thousands of years we as a people have been through so many struggles and hardship but still remain, for the sacrifices and love from our ancestors will never be forgotten, through our culture we find our Lore, and our Lore is our country and we are still here. The inside mural in the new Aboriginal Gathering space is a colourful and warm piece that can draw in anyone who needs to escape from the context of the courts and on to country. Bunjil is watching from both sides - providing protection.
Thanks to the NJC for a great process and a wonderful launch event and thank you to Uncle Perry Wandin for bringing ceremony to the courts
