We’re thrilled to reveal Nyinhambu Bita (Our River), the Murawin artwork, by our very own Wallula Bethell, to you all!
The idea for a Murawin artwork came about during our brand refresh at the start of 2024, where we launched a new Country-centric colour palette, website and suite of assets. It was a particularly significant milestone for Murawin as it celebrated 10 years in business, creating impact.
Imbued with meaning and symbolism, the artwork tells the story of Murawin as a collective. It shows the impactful work we have done and continue to do as well as our co-founders Carol Vale and Greg McKenzie stories, their legacy, where we’ve been and importantly, where we’re going through the depiction of River Country.
Rivers have played an important role for Carol Greg, whether that is the Barka (Darling) River in Bourke (where Carol and Greg met), The Macleay in Dunghutti Country, The Wambuul (Macquarie) River of Narromine (Greg’s childhood home) or the Gara River in Armidale (Carol’s childhood home). These waterways have special significance to both the co-founders personally and within the story of Murawin.
In our Barri Marruma methodology, the Water phase represents the flow of knowledge through hearing and listening to stories, values and knowledge which are grounded in the context of the particular Country. Just as water is essential for sustaining life, this phase is crucial for nourishing meaningful relations between all stakeholders and is at the core of our work at Murawin.
The river cutting across the artwork is representative of Murawin as a whole, the work we do sitting, listening and yarning with community. These yarns and engagements shape the course of the river, both informed by the landscape whilst simultaneously changing it.
The colours come directly from the Darling River in Bourke with its muddy waters and brown riverbanks – also a nod to the red river gums both co-founders love. The two tributaries represent the meeting and coming together of Carol and Greg and the formation of Murawin. The river then flows on strengthening and expanding along the way, opening wide on the right-hand side as if to hint at the world of possibility in the future. The blue-green waters alongside the river are representative of the Macleay River and the Gara River and the Blue Hole in Armidale is show through the river rocks.
Along the banks of the river, we find representations of many aspects that make up Murawin. Our staff and the work we do, the family, our values, places of significance, our co-founders heritage and so much more.
About the artist
Wallula Bethell a Gumbaynggirr, Gamilaraay & Dunghutti woman from Tamworth NSW who is not only Murawin’s graphic designer, responsible for much of the brand refresh but is also Carol’s niece.
Her incredible creativity and skill paired with her intimate connection and knowledge of Murawin, allowed her to understand and communicate our story so beautifully.
Primarily a digital artist, Wallula created the artwork in Adobe Fresco, drawing freehand, creating layers of colour, shape and meaning to express the many elements and facets that make up the Murawin story.
As a family business, we’re so proud to share this beautiful piece of art that encapsulates so much of Murwin’s family origins, story and legacy with the world. We’re even prouder that it was produced in-house by a family member and valued colleague, who is continually enhancing the way we communicate our story, and the stories of the many communities we work with and elevating the work we do for our clients.