A story of Country, connection and culture

Artwork: “The Bunya Mountain’s” by Barbara Stewart, 2026. © Barbara Stewart. Used with permission.

This mural celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Wakka Wakka people and their connection to Country. Located on Meandu site, the artwork invites people to pause, reflect, and engage with the stories embedded in the land and its history.

Created by artist Barbara Stewart, the mural brings together elements of storytelling, culture, and landscape to create a visual representation of the ties between people, place, and living systems.

About the artwork

This painting is about the traditional owners, the Wakka Wakka people, and their deep connection to the land, sacred sites, and the history of Country.

At the centre of the painting is the ceremonial and spiritual site of the Bunya Mountains, where tribal groups within the Wakka Wakka nation would gather for ceremonies, celebration, and the sharing of culture and knowledge. Surrounding the centre are smaller circles representing ceremonial areas and the historical pathways leading to the Bunya Mountains, connecting people and communities across Country.

The Rainbow Serpent moves throughout the painting as the creator of life within Wakka Wakka traditional lands, symbolising the spiritual connection between people, the land, and all living things. The Lorikeets bring colour and beauty to the story, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the Bunya Mountains and the richness of the landscape.

Within Wakka Wakka belief, the Echidna dug into the earth to create the waterholes and springs that provide life to the land. The Wallabies and Kangaroos are the keepers of the storylines and the pathfinders for historical travel, guiding people through Country and carrying the knowledge of the old ways.

The outer design of the painting represents the different seasons and the changing landscape surrounding the Bunya Mountains, showing the ongoing cycle of nature and the enduring connection between the Wakka Wakka people and Country.

Recognising and respecting culture

This mural forms part of BUMA’s commitment to recognising and respecting First Nations culture and connection to Country. It creates a space for reflection, learning, and shared understanding, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage within the places where we operate.