Mural painted at Ettalong

A "stunning mural" painted by indigenous students was the focus of Naidoc Week celebrations at Ettalong Public School this year, according to project coordinator Ms Kylie Cassidy.

Featuring two large whales and a variety of sea creatures, the mural was designed and painted by students with the help of Ms Cassidy and the school's Aboriginal liaison officer Ms Lisa Finney and other parents.

"The mural's theme, which ties into the overall education program at the school, is 'stronger smarter' and reiterates the three R's strongly promoted at the school: Respect, Responsibility, Ready to Learn," Ms Cassidy said.

"The mural features two large whales, the water and glorious sunshine... elements we all associate with our beautiful Peninsula.

"Our aim is that kids will make stronger, smarter choices and be stronger, smarter kids."

Ms Cassidy said visitors during Naidoc Week admired the mural and found meaning and resonance through the mural's stunning images such as Year 1 student Taylor who enjoyed showing her mum the mural and finding out more about its meaning from the local Indigenous community.

"NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee," Ms Cassidy said.

"Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s, which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

"Today, Naidoc is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians."

Press release, 12 Aug 2010 Rowena Newton, Ettalong Public School