Acknowledgement of Country
Columba Catholic Primary School Acknowledges the Bunurong Peoples’ of the Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners and Custodians and pay respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
Columba acknowledges the Bunurong’s continuing relationship to the land and waterways and respects that their connection and spiritual identity are maintained through ancient ceremonies, songlines, dance, art, and living culture.
We pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of the Bunurong and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Elders who have guided and continue to guide our work.
In her painting Born for You, First Nations artist Julie Dowling reinterprets the traditional nativity scene by replacing the Holy Family with her own Badimaya friends and family. The work draws a powerful connection between the story of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus and the experiences of First Nations people, particularly the dispossession and resilience they have faced.
Dowling was inspired by Caravaggio's painting, Rest on the Flight to Egypt, which depicts the Holy Family's perilous journey fleeing King Herod. Dowling’s work similarly portrays a family's strength in the face of danger. In her painting, baby Jesus is modeled on a child who was separated from his family and Aboriginal heritage. This detail highlights the ongoing issue of child separation within First Nations communities.
The painting is rich with both Christian and Indigenous symbols. The halo around baby Jesus includes hands and crosses, reminding the viewer that Jesus's birth is significant for all families. Dowling's work ultimately suggests that God lifts up the powerless, a theme she connects to both the biblical story and the struggles of First Nations people.