The next time you visit Werribee, look up. There in the sky, you’ll see Bunjil the creator, the Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring above Werribee’s skyline.
In a spectacular visual transformation, the skyline of Werribee is now graced by the awe-inspiring 41-metre-tall mural ‘Mooroop Yarkeen’ by acclaimed Indigenous artist Tommy Day, also known as Jirri Jirri. Commissioned by Wyndham City, this colossal artwork is not only one of the largest in Australia but also a powerful representation of First Nations culture.
Stretching across the facade of the Holiday Inn Werribee, also known as the Hunter Building, at 22 Synnot Street, ‘Mooroop Yarkeen’ translates to ‘Spirit Dreaming.’ It took Tommy Day 12 days to bring this monumental vision to life, making it a striking addition to Werribee’s cityscape.
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Tommy Day, a Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, and Wemba Wemba man, infused the mural with cultural significance and expression. The project, a result of public Expression of Interest and extensive consultation with Bunurong Traditional Owners and local First Nations communities, incorporates elements such as the Wirribi Yaluk (Werribee River), sandhills, Basalt plains, gum leaves, community unity, dreaming, and Bunjil’s majestic flight.
As the sun dips in the west, ‘Mooroop Yarkeen’ takes on an even more spectacular appearance, bathed in a warm glow during the late afternoon. Tommy Day’s artistic mastery is evident in his ability to capture the essence of the local community’s themes and cultural input.
Tommy Day / Jirri Jirri, represented by Mamam, is a multi-disciplined artist based in Shepparton, Victoria, with roots in the Gunditjmara Nation – Kerrupmara Clan Group, Yorta Yorta Nation – Wollithica Clan Group, and Wemba Wemba. His work reflects a modern storytelling approach, intricately weaving tales of place, country, identity, and connection.
Over six prolific years, he has become a professional artist, specialising in acrylics on canvas, captivating murals, and digital innovation. Jirri Jirri’s art intricately weaves tales of place, country, identity, and connection, paying homage to the past while celebrating the present and looking towards the future. His work, characterised by a vibrant palette, has adorned diverse spaces, collaborating with government, private, and corporate sectors. Past mural projects include the Moonee Valley Library and Moonee Ponds West Wall.
Located in the heart of Werribee’s city centre, ‘Mooroop Yarkeen’ is not just a mural; it’s a cultural landmark. A short walk from vibrant Watton Street, home to the free Wyndham Art Gallery and an array of restaurants, bars, and cafes, the mural invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of First Nations art.
Find out more here.
