B E G O N I A Letters

Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and artist Billy O’Toole has been commissioned to design the ‘Begonia’ letters which will be on display in Sturt Street.

The artwork on each letter of ‘Begonia’ represents something different.

B — the artwork on the letter ‘B’ symbolises a journey across country and all coming together on Wadawurrung Country attending the Ballarat Begonia Festival.

E — the artwork on the letter ‘E’ represents ‘Wurdi Yuang’ (big hill) — it refers to the Wadawurrung mountain country around Black Hill and Buninyong.

G — the artwork on the letter ‘G’ symbolises the flowing waters that give life to all and nourish country.

O —the artwork on the ‘O’ signifies healing and welcoming to country. The eucalyptus depicted welcomes you onto country and cleanses you from the feet up to keep country and people healthy as they come together in peace.

N — the artwork on the ‘N’ represents gathering by fresh water.

I — the pattern on the ‘I’ symbolise the shape and known markings of the stone spear head. Stone head spears were a traditional tool used to hunt food.

A —the artwork on the letter ‘A’ symbolises the many creeks and waterholes across country.