When appointed to build the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC), Kane Constructions sought to acknowledge the long-standing history of first nations people in the Northcote and Darebin areas.
The solid hoarding fronting Victoria Road provided the ideal blank canvas and through the local community, Kane connected with Dixon Patten.
Dixon Patten (Bitja) is a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man creative and storyteller. Dixon grew up in Northcote, attended Northcote High School and has great memories of summers spent at NARC.
He has produced a vibrant visual story in consultation with the Wurundjeri elders that identifies with the history of the Northcote area as well as the significance of water sources, native animals and community.
This artwork is now proudly displayed on the hoarding of the NARC site and is a narrative of the area and its history as well as what it will become. Kane is proud to bring this story to the community as part of the NARC build.
Image 1. Dixon Patten with his bespoke hoarding artwork on-site
Image 2. (L-R) Yasmin (Dixon’s niece), Dixon Patten, Geoff Purcell (Kane) and Cr Susan Rennie (City of Darebin)
Image 3. One of the hoarding images features the Sacred Kingfisher
