15 Jun 2026

A bright new mural now graces the exterior of Oxygen Youth Space, painted by Njarala Paton, a Brunswick-based Year 12 student and emerging First Nations artist of Ngarigo Monero, Gunai and Gunditjmara heritage.

Beginning with a sketch on an iPad, Njarala scaled the design onto the wall using a grid, painting the large-scale work over a number of weeks during the autumn school holidays.

Njarala is the youngest of just 5 artists commissioned to represent regions of Victoria as part of the historic First Peoples Treaty process.

When asked about the commission, Njarala says it felt special to be chosen for the project.

“It’s cool, especially being the youngest one and to have my artwork represent the south-east region of Victoria,” Njarala reflects.

“It’s special to share what I’ve learned from my family, my great grandpa and great grandma especially who were well recognised artists,” Njarala reflects. “I’m pretty inspired by them.”

“My uncles also work on shields, and one has a canoe in the museum. You can see some of those similar shapes in my mural. But I’ve used bolder colours, not as many neutral ones.”

Knowledge carried forward is visible in the mural itself, which weaves methods passed down through Njarala’s family with her own bold, contemporary style.

The result brings local knowledge, innovative art and a strong emerging voice to this much-loved community space.