Cromer artist Jessica Birk completes her mural showcasing local Aboriginal heritage

Northern beaches’ artist Jessica Birk has completed a special mural that will have motorists smiling.

Cromer artist Jessica Birk at an event marking the official completion of an Aboriginal mural — Shorelines and Storylines — alongside the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at North Balgowlah. Picture: RMS

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A special mural showcasing Aboriginal heritage has been completed alongside one of the northern beaches’ busiest roads.

Artist Jessica Birk worked on her ‘Shorelines and Storylines’ public artwork from April this year along the western side of the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at North Balgowlah.

State MP for Manly James Griffin joins Cromer artist Jessica Birk, as well as local Aboriginal leaders and RMS officials, at an event marking the official completion of an Aboriginal mural — Shorelines and Storylines — alongside the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at North Balgowlah. Picture: RMS

Ms Birk, from Cromer, joined State Liberal MP for Manly James Griffin on Monday, as well as local Aboriginal leaders and Roads and Maritime Services officials, to mark the official completion of the project.

The mural, commissioned by RMS for the noise reduction wall near Serpentine Cres, represents the connection between Aboriginal people here today and in the past to ‘Country’ — the land and waters of northern Sydney.

Mr Griffin said Sydney-based and Aboriginal-owned agency Balarinji led the design of the mural, which complemented the landscape, helped deter vandals and did not distract motorists.

Cromer artist Jessica Birk speaking at an event marking the official completion of her mural. Picture: RMS

The noise wall is in two sections, one 330m and another 96m long, and between 2 and 4.5m high. It was built in 2016 to reduce noise generated from traffic.

Ms Birk said the design used colour, pattern and stylised mapping of the land to evoke contemporary stories of culture and Country.

“I hope the work reflects the holistic relationship Aboriginal traditional owners had with the land for generations, along with our responsibility to care for it today,” she said.

“Design elements include rock wallabies, sandstone, seeds, gum leaves, banksias, hibiscus and wattle flowers, fresh and salt waterways, and stingrays.”

State MP for Manly James Griffin described the mural as inspiring. Picture: RMS

Mr Griffin described it as an inspiring work that showcased the Aboriginal heritage of the local area. He said it was a powerful reflection of the talent and stories coming from the northern beaches Aboriginal community.

“The design incorporates images of local rock engravings, local bush foods and medicine, paying homage to the rich local landscape around North Balgowlah.”

It is hoped the mural will also discourage unwanted graffiti that has appeared along the Deviation.