The Galgi-ngarrak Yirranboi Tree
The Galgi-ngarrak Yirranboi Tree sculpture was named by local Gunung-William-Balluck Elder Norm Hunter, who has since joined the Spirits of his ancestors.
The name means 'Backbone of Tomorrow'. The tree represents growth in the rapidly developing Hume community, as well as the establishing of new roots by the many migrants and refugees who live in the region.
Under the guidance of sculptor and Artistic Director Wendy Golden, a number of skilled basketmakers worked with the local Hume community to produce this amazing artwork. Basketmakers involved in the project came from Indigenous, Australian, Hmong, Samoan, Maori, Cook Islander, Turkish, Vietnamese, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Kurdish and Filipino backgrounds. The bark on the trunk and branches of the tree were made by skilled basket makers from within these traditions, while the leaves were created by local residents and visitors to Hume City. Most of the plant material used in the work is indigenous to Broadmeadows.
The Galgi-ngarrak Yirranboi Tree can be visited in the foyer at the Hume Global Learning Centre - Broadmeadows, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows. This project was funded by VicHealth and Arts Victoria.