It was a special moment for local artists Brittany Cochrane and Raechel Saunders when they were given an exclusive first-look at how their artwork has been used throughout the Yalawanyi Ganya building.
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MidCoast Council selected Raechel and Brittany's work from a number of submissions from local Aboriginal artists, to be incorporated into the building design of the administration and customer service centre on Biripi Way, Taree.
Graphic elements drawn from both of the artist's works are used within the building in a number of ways, including: glazing graphics on glass meeting room walls, designs on noticeboards and glazing decals on some entry doors.
Brittany's work Living As One on Biripi Country, and Raechel's Connected both tell a story of connection to culture and the land on which the MidCoast community resides and MidCoast Council's general manager, Adrian Panuccio said they have been a the perfect addition to the space.
"We saw our new administration and customer service centre as a great opportunity to really showcase and honour our local Aboriginal culture," Mr Panuccio said.
"The way it has all come together though, is even better than I could have imagined, it's a really beautiful and important element of the building."
Seeing their works for the first time was exciting for Brittany and Raechel with both women expressing their pride in seeing how the project had come together and with the prominence of the art.
"I'm just really proud," said Raechel. "To see it used so prominently in the building, I love it."
Brittany's piece provided the Yalawanyi Ganya logo that is featured on the outside of the building and she said she is excited and happy with the end result.
"You can see it as you drive down the road, it's so big and such a great, eye catching feature, I've had heaps of people comment on it. I'm so proud of it and I love how it's been used."
Council also worked with local Gathang language holders on the naming of the building, which will be known as Yalawanyi Ganya, meaning 'meeting/sitting place'.
The name reflects the activities that will be undertaken in the building. As well as housing council's customer service centre and Council Chambers, there will also be a public café and a gallery space.
The work of Raechel and Brittany will feature in the first exhibition to be held in the gallery space, along with that of other Aboriginal artists in recognition of the importance of the site to local indigenous culture.
The customer service centre in Yalawanyi Ganya will open to the community on January 7, 2021.
