Local Indigenous artist featured at library

Reconciliation Dungog donated the artwork, called Wayila - which means black cockatoo - in an attempt to foster a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture in the town.

The painting was a finalist in the National Capital Art prize in Canberra in 2022.

Reconciliation Dungog's Jenny Akers said that the idea to donate an artwork to the library came after she bought one of Ms Green's artworks.

"I have another one of Amy's artworks in my house that I bought a couple of years ago and when we saw this one we thought we better share it," Ms Akers said.

"Now everybody can share in the richness of the culture and the story behind it. It's right near the door at the library where everybody comes in.

"It's a wonderful way of sharing all of the great stories that we need to discover."

Ms Akers said the installation of this artwork reflected Reconciliation Dungog's goal to share Indigenous culture with the local Shire.

"Reconciliation Dungog is passionate about sharing indigenous culture and one way we can do this is to encourage and support talented local Aboriginal artists like Amy," she said.

"Our group hopes all the patrons at the Shire library will enjoy the insight the painting offers."

Ms Green grew up in Dungog and now lives in Gresford.

She said that the painting was inspired by her experience growing up and living as an Indigenous woman.

Specifically, her experience learning about black cockatoos and their relationship to indigenous culture.

"Wayila is the Gathang word for black cockatoo and is also a family totem," Ms Green said.

"The painting depicts my family connections and the traditional well-known story of Wayila, which indicates rain coming. When you see Wayila flying in a certain direction, it represents that rain is coming.

"How many black cockatoos there are determines how many days of rain can be predicted.

"Traditionally this would allow for our people to prepare for wet weather."

Dungog mayor John Connors said that he is proud that the Shire has such strong indigenous ties and artworks.

"We are proud to display such a captivating piece of artwork in our library and the fact that it was created by a local resident with such strong indigenous ties to our Shire," he said.

"Our thanks go to Reconciliation Dungog for choosing the library as the perfect location for the artwork. It's our hope that all the community will come and admire it for decades to come."

To view Ms Green's artwork visit Dungog Shire Library at 17 MacKay Street, Dungog.