Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are steeped in rich traditions, passed down from elders to younger generations. The culture is commonly expressed through music, song, dance, and sacred ceremonies. For Djarragun College Year 12 student, Peter Levi, it’s through painting. Peter says painting is a chance to sit and reflect on his upbringing on Saint Pauls Village – Moa Island and reconnect with the teachings and inspirations he holds close to his heart.
"It helps me reconnect to home when I paint my totems,” Peter said. “I have the frigate bird, dugong, turtle, crocodile and shark. When I paint on canvas, I focus solely on the frigate bird, the blue skies, blue waters and my island Moa.” The patterns he designs on the canvas resemble those used back home.
Peter is in his first year pursuing two VET courses at Djarragun College: a Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation and a Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Art. "I find the Cert III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Art really enjoyable," Peter said.
The vocational education Peter is getting plays a crucial role in guiding Djarragun students towards practical career paths and preparing them for employment. The vocational courses offered at Djarragun are carefully chosen to meet skills shortages in the local area and throughout Queensland. By aligning the programs with the needs of the job market, the students will be better placed to take advantage of job opportunities once they complete Year 12.
For Peter, he's excited about displaying his artwork at the upcoming UMI Arts Expo. It's a big chance for him to share his culture with others and potentially sell a piece or two. He sees the expo and the Cert III as a step toward his dream of becoming a full-time artist after school. He imagines going back to Moa, painting his culture onto canvases and sharing it with as many people as possible, including generations to come.