Celebrating Culture, Connection & Community
Toormina Gardens is proud to be working 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 to bring a new community mural to life in the Wirrabilla Drive entryway.
This vibrant artwork intends to celebrate connection to Country and Land featuring local stories, symbols and totems inspired by Toormina’s unique environment, community and culture.
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 work 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 the theme of Connection to Country and Land. They were encouraged to express their identity, culture and connection to Toormina through creative activities. Their drawings, stories and symbols were used by artist Kevin as a foundation for the mural concept, ensuring the final artwork is deeply rooted in the local voices.
Where to Find the Mural
You can see the mural currently being painted in the Wirrabilla Drive entryway corridor of Toormina Gardens