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Girrawaa Creative Arts Centre

The Girrawaa Creative Arts Centre, at Bathurst Correctional Centre was established in 1998 as part of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) strategy to address the over representation of Aboriginal people in custody, recognising the barriers to employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal Australians.

Girrawaa’s purpose is to engage Aboriginal men that enriches cultural connection by facilitating a unique blend of cultural, educational, and vocational outcomes. The program is delivered on complex but outside the centre, providing an opportunity and incentive for Aboriginal men to progress their security classification.

Girrawaa supports men to connect with culture through art, and the opportunity to establish a portfolio, sell art directly to members of the public by way of Art Exhibitions, and to achieve a Tafe Certificate for completion of the WUURRA program.

A unique opportunity from local St Stanislaus’ College emerged when they approached Girrawaa to commission a design from a Girrawaa artist for their Totem Project.  The Head of College Mr Luck commented they were incredibly grateful and impressed with the work of the Girrawaa artist including the creation of the artwork for their 6 College Houses in the spirit of First Nations people and culture. The Girrawaa artist provided the College with an opportunity to translate the meaning behind each Totem and will provide students with a way to connect to culture and carry themselves in the broader community with honour and connection to Country.