Moving Forward Together, Upwey Village Green

Moving Forward Together is a series of six public artworks commissioned by the Upwey Community Group and Yarra Ranges Council, celebrating the rich cultural diversity, history, and natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges. Working alongside Wurundjeri artist Thulli Mara, we were invited to interpret the theme through our own cultural perspectives, creating a body of work that honours both Indigenous storytelling and the many communities that call the Hills home.

Drawing from my Italian, African, and Native American heritage, I approached the project through the lens of connection. Rather than focusing on cultural differences, I wanted to celebrate the landscape itself as something we all share. The native flora and fauna of the Dandenong Ranges became the thread that ties the murals together, reminding us that nature has the ability to unite people across cultures and generations.

My four panels explore the transition from day to night, using warm ochre tones inspired by Australian sunsets and native birdlife including the tawny frogmouth, kookaburra, black cockatoo, and honeyeater. At the centre of the work is a radiant feminine sun figure, representing life, warmth, and feminine energy. Inspired by my Native American heritage, she also serves as a symbol of our connection to Country while paying respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the murals stand.

Working alongside Thulli Mara was a privilege, with our individual approaches naturally complementing one another. While his works explore Dreaming, Wurundjeri storytelling, and the masculine aspects of Country, mine embrace themes of nurture, renewal, and the interconnectedness between people and the environment. Together, the six artworks create a conversation between different cultures, histories, and ways of understanding the land.

My hope is that these murals invite people to slow down, appreciate the beauty that surrounds them, and reflect on Australia’s layered cultural history. They encourage viewers to consider the importance of Indigenous knowledge, our relationship with nature, and how we can continue moving forward together through respect, understanding, and community.