New Indigenous mural unveiled at Mandelbaum
The mural was unveiled by deputy vice-chancellor of Indigenous strategy and services, Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver.
An Indigenous mural on the roof terrace of Mandelbaum House was unveiled last month, gifted to the college by a family of one of the its Aboriginal students.
Mandelbaum, the Jewish residential college located on the campus of the University of Sydney, is home to six Indigenous students, including five who are Gadigal scholarship recipients.
The Indigenous artist Jason “Bidgjipidji” Lee painted a bright mural to reflect the energy and personalities of the various residents of Mandelbaum House.
The main feature of the mural is a dragonfly, said to symbolise the “change, transformation, adaptability and self-realisation” of the students at Mandelbaum House.
“[It] perfectly encapsulates the journey of students as they undertake their academic studies and leads to transformation and empowerment, enabled by the environment of Mandelbaum House and the University of Sydney,” the plaque reads.
The mural was unveiled by deputy vice-chancellor of Indigenous strategy and services, Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver.
An epidemiologist and leading researcher in the field of Aboriginal health, Jackson Pulver has remained a stalwart in Indigenous academia, as well as contributing to Jewish communal life through her role as a former president of Newtown Synagogue and as a member of the Great Synagogue.
Jackson Pulver said her goal for the University of Sydney was to create an environment where First Nations people belong.
“The youth have spoken; they lay down the challenge … We have imagination, we belong, we can act,” she said.
“Those at Mandelbaum House also have imagination … The Mandelbaum spirit is one of inclusion and harmony. This is a gift that we can bring out into the university, and into our futures, wherever we may go. We can create belonging for all.”
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