Bunurong artist Kobi Sainty recently revisited Tweddle’s new Wyndham Early Parenting Centre to share the story behind his stunning artworks in a mini documentary. Kobi was commissioned to enhance cultural safety for Tweddle’s Werribee-based Early Parenting Centre (EPC) as part of the Victorian Government’s $163 million Early Parenting Centre expansion and upgrade project.
Tweddle CEO Liz Murdoch spoke with Kobi about the significance of his work to Tweddle staff and families, and the importance of creating safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
“Kobi’s incredible work tells the story of his ancestral connections to Bunurong Country and the values we share in raising healthy, happy children connected to Country and community, and proud in culture,” Liz said.
“Through Kobi’s art, we are reminded daily of the importance of values, caring for nature, respect for those who have gone before us, and creating welcoming spaces for not only First Nations families, but for all cultural groups raising babies and children in Wyndham.”
In the documentary filmed by Lifebuoy Video, Kobi explained the importance of creating safe spaces and his vision for his immersive artwork.
“I didn’t know much about Tweddle initially, but after meeting with some of the team, I began to understand their important work,” Kobi said.
Creating Safe Spaces for families and community
“The values that Tweddle holds really inspired me to create something special for families and for my community to have these safe spaces.” “For this project, I initially visited the site to see the location. It’s very close to the Werribee River, which is significant country for Bunurong people. I was fortunate that the Tweddle team gave me the freedom to create what I thought would work best.”
Pointing to the artwork’s beautifully flowing lines, Kobi described how the artwork represented community, various aspects of Bunurong Country, and how we all work together. “The flowing lines represent the Werribee River and touches on our connection to country and water,” he said.
Kobi highlighted how historically, Bunurong people would welcome everyone onto Country and share knowledge, a tradition that continues today. The large-scale family play-room mural welcomes families in and tells a wonderful local story. Tweddle families represent many different cultures, and Kobi wanted to ensure that children connected with the artwork. Additional artworks include framed designs in bedrooms and hallways, Aboriginal elements on glass, and large canvases in hallways and meeting rooms.
Importantly, Kobi wanted the artwork to connect with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. “Especially as children, they’re sponges, and these experiences will play a big role in how they grow up to be young adults, understanding and appreciating other cultures and their similarities,” he said.
Kobi noted the diversity of Wyndham, one of the most multicultural places in Victoria. “Hopefully, our children will really connect with the artwork, sparking conversations between parents and children at Tweddle. “I’ve been very fortunate that everyone has connected with the artwork and appreciated the stories and pieces I’m sharing. It’s wonderful to think that children, who may not have been exposed to anything like this before, might be shaped by it into the adults they will become,” Kobi added.
Bringing Awareness to Bunurong Culture and Stories
“My art can provide understanding and bring awareness to Bunurong culture, especially since we’re on Bunurong Country at Tweddle, we are sharing stories that might not otherwise be told.”
“We have Tweddle’s values and my Bunurong values merging into a beautiful piece of artwork. I hope this sparks conversation that lead to positive change for our future.”
Liz Murdoch remarked that the mini documentary would be a significant asset to Tweddle, helping to tell the story of Kobi’s artwork and the creation of a welcoming and culturally safe space for Aboriginal families.
“He has created something truly magical that will bring joy for generations,” she said.
You can see Kobi’s Video on Tweddle’s Reconciliation Page and on YouTube.
You can follow Kobi Sainty’s work here.
