Vibrant, colourful van attracts positive feedback

Students from Clontarf Aboriginal College (external site) have painted a dental van as part of a collaborative with Dental Health Services (DHS).

The colourful and vibrant van, which is used to deliver mobile dental services, is attracting very positive feedback.

Clontarf’s lead on this project, Peter Fatupaito, said the Year 7-12 students were asked to create an individual piece of art of their choice, which was later shared with the DHS team who selected the designs they liked.

“One key feature was a snake with colours representing the Noongar six seasons,” he said.

“There was also a turtle, which is a favourite animal for the artist, a black swan to represent Perth, but with Aboriginal patterns inside linking it back to the first nations people, and a willie wagtail, which is a commonly seen bird by many of the students.”

“To demonstrate acceptance and unity there is a “white” person holding the hand of an Aboriginal Person.”

Peter said the students enjoyed the experience.

“The school wants to support local agencies in a way that also raises awareness of Aboriginal culture, so displaying beautiful Aboriginal artwork was a great opportunity,” he said. “It really gave the students a sense of pride.”

DHS General Manager Sam Carrello said the collaborative was a great success.