Mick Harding from the Yowung-Illam-Baluk and Yerrun-Illam-Baluk clans of the Taungurung people - a tribe of the Kulin nation. My clan country's sort of Mansfield area, so that's my connection. Mick Harding lives, breathes and walks culture. A man who has journeyed within to find himself and he stands proud and strong. Mick states, ”We are the first peoples of this land and have an ongoing responsibility to keep our culture alive and relevant into our current society. We belong to this land”.
Mick talks to Gman on Big Brekkie about his connection to the Australian Tennis Open 2021. Mick presented Elise Mertens who won the Gippsland Trophy. His other work was of the boomerang.. both works are shining examples of culture bringing all together.
Aboriginal art in Victoria is unique in its symbolism. It links with our stories and songlines like fingers reaching out to other areas of Australia. When I create something I express my cultural integrity in place, be respectful of interpretation of my culture, and share my story as a Taungwurrung Kulin (Aboriginal man from my traditional country). We encourage our children to express their creative minds to keep alive for the future.
“Our children’s future, Our culture, Your culture”
The number one women's tennis player, Ash Barty, was presented with a wombat trophy carved by Wamba Wamba man Ron Murray, causing many to remark on the significance of an Indigenous tennis player holding a trophy made by an Indigenous artist.
Ron Murray has previously made art pieces for Muhammad Ali, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and Sir Bob Geldof amongst others.