Celebrating Culture, Connection & Community
Toormina Gardens is proud to unveil our new community mural located in the Wirrabilla Drive entryway, created in partnership with Blue Sky Community Services, The Alcohol and Drug Foundation, local First Nations artist Kevin Dumas, and youth from the Bongil Bongil Youth Collective.
This vibrant artwork celebrates connection to Country and Land inspired by Toormina’s unique environment, community and culture. You’ll see local totems, patterns of connection, and strong natural elements woven throughout the piece – all brought to life through rich ochres and vibrant coastal tones.
“The story of the mural is about the Toormina community coming together, connected by their journey tracks that weave through the town’s hunting grounds, which are surrounded by the ocean – the totem of the Gumbaynggirr people.
A big thank you to Toormina Gardens, Blue Sky Community Services, and all the young people who helped shape this mural. This artwork belongs to all of us – and I hope when you walk past, you feel a sense of pride, belonging, and inspiration being a part. . of this wonderful community. Come down and check it out – it’s here for the whole community to enjoy.” – Uncle Kev (Kevin Dumas)
About the Artist – Kevin Dumas (Uncle Kev)
Kevin Dumas, also known as Uncle Kev, is a proud and well respected First Nations Man within Toormina and broader area community. With strong ancestral ties to the region, Kev is Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung, on his father’s side with connections to Dunghutti and Biripi Nations on his mother’s.
Kev is not only a gifted artist but also a mentor, educator, football coach and community advocate. His work spans across local schools, youth programs, and cultural initiatives, including his work as an Aboriginal Community Connector within the Bongil Bongil Youth Collective. Kev’s passion lies in supporting First Nations youth through cultural connection, empowerment, and creative expression. He was recently awarded ‘First Nations Champion Award’ at the Uniting Ngumbadal Deadly Awards in Sydney for his leadership and advocacy in supporting First Nations culture, youth wellbeing and community connection.
Kev has delivered numerous creative projects across the Coffs Coast that reflect themes of identity place and belonging. His works are rooted in storytelling, place, and community empowerment.
Community Collaboration
This mural is the result of a shared creative process. Through a series of hands-on creative workshops local First Nations Youth from the Bongil Bongil Youth collective, were invited to explore their identity, culture and connection to Toormina through creative activities. Their drawings, stories and symbols became the foundation for the mural design. Artist, Uncle Kev, brought these ideas to life through his signature style – blending community voices with vibrant colour, and powerful cultural meaning.
Where to Find the Mural
You can see the completed mural in Toormina Garden’s Wirrabilla Drive entryway corridor.
*This is a Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) initiative funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.