Footprints on Country

Footprints on Country is a commissioned artwork by local artist Saretta Fielding, created in collaboration with students and staff to reflect the shared values, culture, and identity that shape the unique community of Avondale School.

This artwork tells the story of Avondale School and brings a welcome to all, to connect and learn together, as we share culture and country. The imagery highlights the school’s footprint on Awabakal Country and celebrates the school as a gathering place of learning, connection, and belonging, where the richness of culture, land, and community are embraced and shared.

At the centre of the design are meeting circles connected by flowing songlines, representing the journeys of students from Awabakal, Wonnarua and Darkinjung countries, families, and teachers as they come together at Avondale. Within this central imagery sits the Elders’ symbol, reflecting the cultural tradition of knowledge being passed from Elders to youth. This acknowledges the role of teachers, leaders, and community in guiding the next generation, and honours the long-held Aboriginal way of sharing wisdom through story, learning, and lived experience.

The flowing waterway symbolises the lifeblood of Country, connecting Dora Creek to the vast waters of Lake Macquarie. This important place for Awabakal people has always been a source of food, gathering, and community, and today it reflects the way knowledge, like water, flows through Avondale School. Within the river we see fish, turtles, and frogs — reminders of abundance, renewal, and the responsibility of caring for creation.

The surrounding landscape highlights the Watagan Mountains, the hills and plains of Awabakal Country, standing strong as guardians and cultural landmarks. These mountains are woven into the songlines across the artwork, echoing the Awabakal identity as the people of the hills and plains. Soaring high above the design is the Wedge-tail Eagle, the totem of the Awabakal people. A powerful protector and messenger, the eagle represents vision, strength, and connection between earth and sky. Its presence within the artwork acknowledges the Awabakal people as Traditional Custodians and honours their continuing care for Country.

Rich flora and fauna throughout the design celebrate the beauty and life of Country:

• Kangaroos and goannas reflect resilience, strength, and connection to land.
• Birds in flight - galahs, rosellas, cockatoos, eagles, and bellbirds — carry messages of freedom, joy, and the sharing of knowledge between sky and earth.
• Blossoming native trees reflect growth, renewal, and the cycles of life, reminding us of the care and respect required to sustain Country for future generations.

The sun shines brightly over the landscape, symbolising warmth, guidance, and the light of learning. The interconnected design reflects the values of community, respect, and shared growth, with Avondale at its heart.

This artwork stands as a story of unity and belonging — a place where Awabakal, Darkinjung, and Wonnarua students come together, guided by songlines that connect people, land, water, and sky. It honours the Traditional Custodians of the land, celebrates the role of Elders in education, and carries forward the spirit of the wedge-tail eagle watching over Avondale School as a place where culture, knowledge, and community grow strong together.

ABOUT SARETTA FIELDING

Saretta Fielding (née Smith) is an Aboriginal artist and designer from New South Wales, with heritage as a Wonnarua woman of the Upper Hunter Valley and an Anaiwan woman of the New England region. She has strong cultural and community connections across NSW, including links with Worimi, Awabakal and Darkinjung peoples, and has worked both locally and nationally within Aboriginal organisations and through her art practice.

Her work is deeply inspired by her connection to culture, Country and community, with a focus on creating authentic, engaging artworks that foster understanding and connection. Her artistic style draws on traditional sand engravings from Wonnarua Country, using textured, sand-based techniques that reflect the ancient sandstone artworks of her ancestors.

In 2010, she established her art business following the commercial success of her work, turning a lifelong passion for art into a professional practice. Alongside her creative work, she is strongly committed to supporting Aboriginal communities through social and economic advancement, reconciliation, and cultural sharing.

Fielding has held significant leadership roles, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of Yarnteen from 2009, and later founding Malang Indigenous Corporation in 2016. Through both her art and community initiatives, she continues to promote cultural awareness, connection, and meaningful social impact.