First Nations art brightens up Northcote construction site

Published on 14 July 2022

Dixon Patten standing with his mural on the construction site fencing

Construction at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is full steam ahead, and a beautiful new artwork has popped up along Victoria Road.

Artist and visual storyteller Dixon Patten (Bitja) has livened up the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre construction site with a mural showing the significance of our waterways, flora and fauna and community.

Dixon is a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara and Dhudhuroa man and grew up in Darebin. He says the Northcote pools were a safe, communal space he could catch up with friends and family.

“Seeing a lot of mob there, it was a culturally safe for First Nations people in Darebin, so the area feels like home,” says Dixon.

Dixon’s artwork honours the waterways on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country and the murnong – the yam daisy – a staple food for the people of the Kulin Nation. It nearly went extinct but is thriving once again.

“Food universally brings people together, and I think it was important to honour that,” says Dixon.

Dixon also collaborated with Wurundjeri Elders on the artwork, which took a few months. He says getting their blessing to work on it was pretty special.

“That’s why I got into the arts, to Indigenise spaces and remind people that no matter where you go, you’re on Country.”

“With the modern world there’s a lot of information thrown at us daily, and we have to not forget the traditions and language of the Old People,” says Dixon.

What else is happening at NARC?

  • We're officially out of the ground!
  • Demolition and excavation works are complete and we have poured concrete slabs.
  • Structures for the three pools are complete and testing will start shortly.
  • Steel structures are currently being installed.

Pictured

Dixon standing with his mural on the construction site fencing. Image courtesy of Kane Jarrod Photography.

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