By Jamie Salter
A donation of Indigenous art from a local family is adding a touch of colour to the walls on Pakenham’s Ryan Road Childcare and Swim School.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains the name of a deceased person.
Painted in 2002 by the late Shirley Cross (nee Franklin), the work depicts an Aboriginal elder along with other Indigenous symbols.
Coincidentally landing on NAIDOC Week, the centre received the artwork from Shirley’s husband George Cross and his granddaughter Katey Cross-Keizers on Friday 8 July.
Katey said it was a “proud family moment“.
“My pop (George) got really emotional and he was trying to hold back a few tears,“ she said.
“He really liked that it’s keeping my nan’s spirit with us and that people can now see it at the centre.“
Ryan Road Childcare and Swim School director Jane Rowland said it was an emotional moment when receiving the painting from George and his family.
“It was so warm and fuzzy and I got so emotional,“ she said.
“It’s part of our family community and we’re proud to have it up in the centre.
“We have at least 10 Koorie families here and we want them to feel included and supported.“
Ms Rowland said the centre wanted to build on its Indigenous connection.
“We aim to provide a supportive environment to families, children and the community whereby a diversity of culture, race and religion is recognised, celebrated and preserved within our curriculum, teachings and surroundings,“ she said.
“In particular, we are proud to support children and families form Aboriginal cultures and recognise them as the Traditional Owners of the land in which we live.“
