Findon Campus – David Booth Mural from Nazareth Catholic Community on Vimeo.

Nazareth Findon Campus is home to a vibrant and meaningful new addition; a striking Aboriginal mural that encapsulates key messages of relationships, connection, belonging, community and friendship.

Completed earlier this year, the mural now proudly decorates the yard, serving as a colourful commitment to reconciliation and celebration of First Nations culture.

Renowned Aboriginal artist and performer David Booth brought the vision to life, after designing it in partnership with students through a series of interactive workshops.

Every one of the 612 students at the Findon Campus were involved in working with David.

Head of Findon Campus, Natalie Cameron, said during the workshops with David, the students were “captivated with his playing of the Yidaki, and the stories he shared with them. Then he explained the different symbols their meaning and how combined, they tell a story”.

With this knowledge shared, the students were able to create their own artistic designs, sharing with David their stories.

“David then looked at each of our students’ designs closely, and pulled out the common themes,” explained Mrs Cameron.

The key message derived from the workshops, was that community and belonging are incredibly important to the students at Nazareth.

“I was able to use their stories to create a larger design, which represents Nazareth and it’s values,” explained David.

The finished mural incorporates vibrant patterns and heartfelt symbols which represent growth, health and friendship. The visual depict journeys moving forward continually, and the partnership between home and school.

It also showcases the importance of respecting Australia’s Aboriginal heritage and their profound connection to the land.

“The colours represent the environment, blues for water, greens for the regrowth of plants, reds and browns for the dry areas of country,” explained David.

“The handprints are of all the students representing their connection to story, community and Kaurna Country. Aboriginal people hold a deep connection land and water and have passed down knowledge for thousands of years on how to care for country and respect the environment,” he explained.

“The final meeting place in purple represents Nazareth, a warm and caring environment.”

Whether it be painting large murals at schools and public spaces across Adelaide, or performing the yidaki or traditional dance, sharing culture and connection is something Dave is exceptionally passionate about.

Through the mural process, David was proud to share his story with students and staff, and how his passion for expressing his Aboriginal heritage stems from his family.

“I am a Warumunga/Yuggera man born on Yuggera country in Brisbane. I now live on Peramangk country in the Adelaide Hills and have a strong connection to the Ngarrindjeri/Peramangk people through my partner and children,” shared David.

“As a child I was home schooled along with my 5 siblings. With my mother we travelled tracing links across the country, as she was part of the Stolen Generation and wanted to connect to culture, family and country,” he said.

This journey and experience continue to inspire David’s cultural expressions, with his art, dance and music reflecting the environment, family, and community. Through his use of traditional symbols, David tells stories in bright contemporary colours and patterns seen in the environment, to bring stories to life.

Mrs Cameron also said the process had created much interest around the school yard.

“I loved sitting down listening to David telling us all about the symbols,” said Year 2 student Ruby.

“I loved watching him paint at lunchtime,” added Nellie, Year 2.

“An important element of the design is that it includes the handprints of all the students emphasising their connection to Kaurna land,” said Mrs Cameron.

“This beautiful mural serves as a daily reminder of our commitment to reconciliation,” she continued.

“David has been wonderful to engage with. He has openly and enthusiastically shared his wisdom knowledge and culture with every staff member and student. And we look forward to strengthening our connection for years to come.”