Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Suzanne Orr is shown new artwork by Year 6 pupil Noah Yong who designed and painted an indigenous-themed mural for the O’Connor bus stop. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
An O’Connor bus stop has been transformed into a reconciliation mural through the creative vision of a Year 6 pupil.
Designed and painted by Noah Yong – a student at nearby Turner School – the new mural was inspired by the 2025 Reconciliation Day theme, Bridging Now to Next.
Noah’s design, located on McPherson Street next to the O’Connor shops, was part of an ACT-wide competition for Reconciliation Day.
“My bus stop represents Country, border, fauna and community. This links with Bridging Now to Next because I drew both the flags equally. I drew the Aboriginal flag first, meaning they were here on this land first, which belongs to them,” Noah said.
“The best bit was probably having fun using my creativity.”
Noah’s design was brought to life with the help of Canberra artist Kalara Gilbert. The Wiradjuri artist also designed the uniforms for Cricket ACT’s first indigenous uniforms.
The pair worked together on the bus stop for about four hours on a frigid day in late July. Despite freezing weather, which slowed the drying process, both said they had an amazing time.
Noah Yong puts a thumb on Canberra to show Suzanne Orr where he’s from. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
For Ms Gilbert, working with new artists is one of the most rewarding parts of her art.
“A new generation coming through with those ideas and that understanding of what needs to happen in Australia is really important. Noah is an amazing artist, just so great to work with. We had a really fun time,” she said.
“I love passing on skills teaching others. And for me, that’s the most rewarding part. I work in schools and I paint murals in schools. That is most fulfilling for me, giving them that advocacy as well. That’s what it’s all about.”
Ms Gilbert added a few personal touches to the mural, including some designs around the outside that represent a journey to justice for indigenous Australians.
Kalara Gilbert gives the artistic thumbs up to Year 6 pupil Noah Yong and Suzanne Orr. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Suzanne Orr, who was given a guided walkthrough by the artists, congratulated them on the achievement.
“It’s really good to have it here and have it out in the community. It starts that conversation all year round while you’re waiting at the bus stop,” Ms Orr said.
“It’s about what it puts into people’s minds, about reconciliation and the journey that we all are continuing to go on.”
This marks just the beginning of Noah’s artistic career. As the competition’s winning artist, he received a $1000 prize and “bragging rights” according to one of his friends.
Noah said he wanted to spend the money on art supplies.
