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Alex Bainbridge

Issue 
1273

Australia

Aboriginal artists
Aboriginal

Brisbane

July 17, 2020

Legendary Aboriginal activist Uncle Sam Watson has been memorialised in a new mural in West End's Bunyapa Park.

The mural was painted by Kamilaroi street artist Warraba Weatherall.

Greens councillor Jonathan Sri - who was involved in commissioning the artwork - said that he is "really pleased that Uncle Sam's memory will be preserved in this park".

He also pointed out that Uncle Sam was "the elder who originally suggested the name 'Bunyapa' for this particular space".

The mural fittingly features Uncle Sam speaking to a microphone. He was a towering figure in the Brisbane movement for Aboriginal rights and regularly spoke at protest rallies. He was also the Indigenous rights spokesperson for Socialist Alliance.

Other artworks are also appearing in the park including this one:

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Aborginal flag mural being painted, Bunyapa Park

And just across the road: "Land rights now please"

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Land rights now please

Bunyapa Park:

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Bunyapa Park, West End