Look up. There in the sky, you’ll see Bunjil the creator, the Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring above Werribee’s skyline as part of the huge, 41-metre-tall high mural by First Nations artist Tommy Day, aka Jirri Jirri.
The mural, titled ‘Mooroop Yarkeen’ translates to ‘Spirit Dreaming’ and includes depictions of wildlife, habitat and cultural heritage, drawing on Werribee’s First Nations’ history.
Commissioned by Wyndham City, it is one of the largest First Nations murals in Australia.
Stretching across the façade of Holiday Inn Werribee, the design incorporates the Wirribi Yaluk (Werribee River), sandhills and Basalt plains, welcoming gum leaves, community coming together in unity, dreaming and Bunjil’s flight.
Mooroop Yarkeen is one of several iconic street art works in the free Werribee Public Art Walking Tour, including works by Minna Leunig, Tom Gerrard, Makatron and more.
At each stop on this self-guided trail you can listen to the artist talk about their work – no apps required. All you need is your mobile phone and headphones or earbuds if you have them.
About Mooroop Yarkeen
Artist Tommy Day / Jirri Jirri represented by MAMAM, is a Gunditjmara, Yorta, Yorta and Wemba Wemba man and multi-disciplined artist based in Shepparton, Victoria.
Day was commissioned to design and paint the mural by Wyndham City after consultation with Bunurong Traditional Owners, local First Nations communities and a public expression of interest process in 2023.
Find out more about Mooroop Yarkeen mural here
