Ngadlu Padninthi Kumangka - We Walk Together

The Faculty of the Professions commissioned this mural in the spirit of reconciliation.

The design was developed by the artists Narisha Cash, a descendant of the Jingliand Mudburra people, and Allan Sumner a Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna, and Yankunytjatjaraman, in conjunction with a group of Kaurna students, linguists and Elders, including Dr Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien.

The mural locates the University of Adelaide on the Karrawirra Pari, Torrens River, as it runs between the foothills and the sea, and acknowledges thousands of years of Kaurna people meeting and living on this land. The design features Tarnta, the Red Kangaroo, the distinctive red and white Kaurna shield, and a coolamon with water flowing from it, symbolising men and women and their equality.

The mural depicts a Kaurna ancestor looking toward the sun, and ibises offering guidance and protection. The ibises reflect the Kaurna Dreaming story of Lawman Tjilbruke, and his journey down south. When Tjilbruke’s nephew died, in a state of grief Tjilbruke turned himself into an ibis and his tears formed many of the springs between Warriparingga, Marion, and Nangarang, Cape Jervis, known as the Tjilbruke Trail.

Ngadlu Padninthi Kumangka mural is located behind Nexus 10 on North Terrace. The mural is proudly supported by the Adelaide City Council through their Arts and Cultural Grants Program.