UNVEILLING OF NEW MURAL

A.B. Paterson College is proud to unveil an extraordinary new mural created by local Indigenous artist Daisy Hill.

Located at the heart of the College, in front of Matilda’s Café, the mural stands as a tribute to Yugambeh Country (Gold Coast) and the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Drawing inspiration from the College’s heartland, Daisy’s artwork beautifully merges the land and sea, symbolising the College as a gathering place for learning and connection.

Central to the design is a striking ‘meeting place’ motif, reinforcing the College’s role as a space where knowledge, stories, and traditions are shared.

The mural also features intricately painted seashells, each representing the uniqueness of individuals within the community, alongside a variety of land and sea animals.

Through this piece, Daisy celebrates the enduring legacy of Aboriginal culture, aiming to inspire joy, curiosity, and meaningful conversations about preserving Indigenous storytelling and artistic traditions.

“I think it’s really important and special, that when visitors are coming to the College and they see this mural and they see the Aboriginal flag flying, that they know this is a safe place and that it is a place where the culture of our First Peoples’ is celebrated, acknowledged and represented,” Daisy shares.

Samantha Middleton, Digital Literacy Coordinator and Chair of the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, highlights the significance of the mural.

“This mural provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with the world’s oldest living culture through art and storytelling,” Ms. Middleton said.

“We hope it sparks curiosity and deepens students’ understanding of Indigenous heritage and sustainable practices.”

A.B. Paterson College extends its heartfelt gratitude to Daisy Hill for sharing her talent and vision.

More than a work of art, this mural serves as an interactive educational resource, developing respect for Aboriginal culture and strengthening the College’s connection to Country.

Full quotes attributable to Daisy Hill, Indigenous Artist:

“There’s lots of little key messages within the artwork, even down to finer details, like the seashells, which symbolise how everyone is different and unique and beautiful in their own way.”

“I hope that the children, staff, friends and family can see all the fine details, that I’ve included and that the artwork sparks some beautiful yarns and learning”

“I think it’s really important and special, that when visitors are coming to the college and they see this mural and they see the aboriginal flag flying, that they know this is a safe place and that it is a place where the culture of our First peoples’ is celebrated, acknowledged and represented.”

“What I hope for the mural, not only will it spark joy and connection, it will also bring people together to have those yarns and conversations.”

“I’m so lucky to be living my dream as an artist, while helping my people and my culture”

“It’s so important to keep our culture, our artforms, and our storytelling alive, and learning about the history of our nation and being proud of this.

Full quotes attributable to Samantha Middleton, A.B. Paterson College, Reconciliation Action Plan Committee Chairperson:

“This mural provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with the world’s oldest living culture through art and storytelling.”

“We hope it sparks curiosity and deepens students’ understanding of Indigenous heritage and sustainable practices.”

“Making Aboriginal culture visible, generates a sense of belonging, and an inclusive environment, making people feel as though their part of a community.”

Additional Information:

A.B. Paterson College

A.B. Paterson College is a leading independent school on the Gold Coast, renowned for academic excellence and character development. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong values-driven culture, the College nurtures students from Early Learning to Year 12. The College’s programs in academics, sport, and the arts empower students to excel and lead with integrity. Proudly upholding tradition while embracing innovation, A.B. Paterson College prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

Daisy Hill

Daisy Hill is a modern, contemporary Aboriginal artist living on Yugambeh Country (Gold Coast).

She is a wife and mother of two sharing her connections to her ancestors through her artworks. Daisy paints intuitively and describes her painting process as deeply spiritual.

Daisy feels an overwhelming connectedness to her thoughts, feelings and spirit when she paints. She has a passion for storytelling and her works are inspired by her own life experiences, growing up in the hinterland and by the ocean.

“It is a way for me to feel connected to the Motherland - the trees, the water, the sand, the sun, the earth and the animals. It's a way for me to convey the beauty I see in all things. A way for me to express my gratitude and to acknowledge the Country I am walking, living and breathing. I am so grateful for the people who invest in my art because it resonates with them,” says Daisy.

She is a proud descendant of the Muruwari people and celebrates her Aboriginal heritage with the world through her paintings. Daisy's art style can be described as intuitive and contemporary. She paints in her own unique style, often in a soft, earthy colour palette, using a combination of Aboriginal language symbols along with her own original’s designs. Daisy's artworks are her own interpretations, and she does not paint Dreaming stories she is not a Custodian of.

https://www.daisyindots.com.au