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“40,000 Years” Mural, Redfern

I chose to visit the “40,000 years” Mural in Redfern. In 1983, a group of artists led by Carol Ruff, collaborated with the local community of Redfern to create the 40,000 years mural, located opposite Redfern Station. The Mural was created to recognise and pay tribute to Redfern’s powerful Aboriginal History. Since its creation, it has become a celebration of the continuing Aboriginal presence and culture in Australia today. This became particularly evident when residents united in a movement to restore the mural which had deteriorated, 30 years since its creation.

The words, “40,000 years is a long, long time… 40,000 years still on my mind”, written across the mural, signify how long Aboriginal people have been present for in Australia, notably before Redfern’s existence. As a result, the mural aims to portray the rich history of the Aboriginal people over the last 40,000 years as well as their continuous presence.

The story depicted begins with Aboriginal culture pre-colonialism, evident by two Aboriginal feet, which symbolises the first feet present on the continent. This is followed by pictures of hunting, fishing and footprint trails to provide an insight into life pre-colonialism. As the mural progresses, the devastating impact of colonialism is depicted by the arrival of a European ship and the death of Aboriginal figures. This is especially poignant, considering that the area that is now Redfern, was one of the worst areas affected by the arrival of the Europeans, partially due to bringing infectious diseases such as smallpox. 

The latter part of the mural, includes features of Redfern today, for example, pictures of current street signs, such as ‘Lawson Street’. This part of the mural is also a celebration of Aboriginal culture and achievement, including portraits of local community members, such as Aunty Mona Donnelly and the Redfern All Blacks rugby league team, who won the 1979 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.

40,000 years has become so significant, as it has influenced how Australians relate to the land by not just viewing it through an Australian lens. In the same way that the Papunya Tula Movement used art as an effective medium to express aspects of Aboriginal history and culture, it could be argued that this mural effectively portrays aspects of Aboriginal culture in a way that is accessible for non-indigenous people. For example, the mural includes an image of a boy standing outside the first church created in the area, referencing the period of the stolen generations, which many were unaware was going on at the time.

On a personal note, having visited and research the mural, I have realised how much “40, 000 years” has become an iconic landmark of Redfern’s landscape. It demonstrates how long Aboriginal culture has existed and successfully continued for, despite the tragic effects of colonisation. It is also worth noting, that it is positioned directly opposite  Redfern station. Thus, in future as I exit the Station and am immediately confronted with the mural, I will feel a greater sense of appreciation and understanding of the area that I am in and its deep-rooted Aboriginal history. 

Below are pictures from my visit:

Figure 1: The iconic “40,000 years” message. Unfortunately, the United Australia party ruined my picture. Unsurprising, considering their knack for ruining precious landscapes.

Figure 2: The Arrival of a European ship, marking the start of Colonialism

Figure 3: A celebration of Aboriginal history in Redfern (past and present.) Specifically, the Redfern All Blacks rugby league team who won the 1979 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout .

Figure 4: A comparative look at other murals in the area

Figure 5: This one was a bit harder to photograph, but a nice office mural!

Figure 6: Finally, a failed panoramic view of the mural. However, really powerful to walk out of the station and see the mural with the backdrop of the city.