Artist: Broc Piazza
Artwork Title: Journey Together
A carving that intertwines the essence of land, the sea, and the rich cultural heritage of the local Aboriginal people. The piece draws from the deep connection between the natural landscape and the stories passed down through generations. The five islands, prominently featured in the carving, hold great cultural and historical significance and act as a reminder of connection to the land. Solidifying the University of Wollongong’s positioning at the bottom of Grandmother Mountain Djera (also known as Geira or Geera). The carving captures mother, calf and father whales as they move gracefully along the coast, navigating the five islands. This is a representation of family, collective and community, symbolising the flow of knowledge. As one of the most prevalent dreaming creatures along the East Coast of Australia, Whales embody strength, wisdom and the journey of life
We acknowledge that Country for Aboriginal peoples is an interconnected set of ancient and sophisticated relationships.
The University of Wollongong spreads across many interrelated Aboriginal Countries that are bound by this sacred landscape, and intimate relationship with that landscape since creation.
From Sydney to the Southern Highlands, to the South Coast.
From fresh water to bitter water to salt.
From City to Urban to Rural.
The University of Wollongong Acknowledges the Custodianship of the Aboriginal peoples of this place and space that has kept alive the relationships between all living things.
The University Acknowledges the devastating impact of colonisation on our campuses’ footprint and commit ourselves to truth-telling, healing and education.
Flame Tree artwork by Samantha Hill, Dharawal/Wandandian woman.
The Welcome Here Project was previously known as The Safe Place Project. It started in 1998 in response to high levels of street based violence directed at Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) people. Local businesses signed up to become a “Safe Place” by putting a sticker in their shop front to let LGBTIQ community members know they could seek refuge if they were under the threat of violence.
UOW Pulse a proud to provide a number ‘”Safe Places” on Wollongong Main Campus including UniBar.