​On Monday, 11 November, we proudly unveiled the new College Benincasa Mural. The ceremony was officiated by Siena College Principal, Ms Sharon Collins and First Nations Perspective Liaison Teacher, Miss Caitlyn Hockam, with special guests Cultural Educator, Aunty Christine Stuart, BCE Education Officer - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, Erin Dougherty, and BCE Senior Leader - School Progress and Performance, Dr Michael McCarthy.

This mural is a significant initiative of our College's Reconciliation Action Plan Committee and exemplifies the collaborative efforts between First Nations and non-Indigenous members of our community. Rich in symbolism, it intertwines Siena Charism with First Nations iconography, standing as a powerful symbol of our commitment to achieving meaningful reconciliation at Siena Catholic College.

The creation of the Benincasa Mural was a collaborative effort between teachers and students at Siena. Students Caitlin (Year 8), Poppy (Year 10), and Tiana (Year 7), along with Miss Caitlyn Hockam, collectively shared their ideas to design the four quadrants of the mural, symbolising the Pillars of our Dominican Charism: Prayer, Study, Community, and Service. Mrs Justine Stewart oversaw the design and creation process, incorporating suggestions from Mrs Catherine Hannan about the College Charism and including local iconography to unify the mural design.

First Nations students at Siena, along with non-Indigenous students from Year 10 Visual Art, were invited to contribute to the painting of the mural. Teachers such as Mrs Kerri-Anne Buckley and Mr Jeremy Bell also played a significant role in the painting process. Over several weeks, students and teachers worked together, blending vibrant colours with detailed dot painting motifs to symbolise both our College Charism and rich First Nations culture.

At the centre of the mural is a Dominican cross, surrounded by icons representing Prayer, Study, Community, and Service. A sunburst, inspired by Saint Catherine of Siena, illuminates the sky and the Glasshouse Mountains. A magpie with a gum tree branch in its beak symbolises peace and hope for reconciliation, while two kangaroos represent resilience and adaptability.

The creation of the mural was a labour of love and joy, bringing many people together and providing entertainment for students and teachers who enjoyed watching the mural emerge from a previously blank wall. Next time you visit Siena, make sure to explore the mural; it may deepen your understanding of our Charism and foster appreciation and respect for our First Nations heritage.

​Check out the Artist Statement for detailed insights on the Benincasa Mural - Artist Statement​.​

You can watch a video of the art's progression on YouTube - Siena Catholic College YouTube - Benincasa Mural 2024​
​

​
​

© Brisbane Catholic Education, Siena Catholic College​ (2024)​​