Many felt they were outcasts within their own community because of their history of drug use. They felt their own history could be used to raise awareness. Think back to 1995, this was a time when HIV/AIDS was constantly in the headlines and a new blood-borne virus (hepatitis C) was being recognised and discussed. It was also a very hard time for this group who were watching increasing numbers of friends and relatives incarcerated and dying from overdose.
They wanted to educate the community, particularly the next generation (the “young ones”). With the support of community elders, they held a series of workshops – partly on developing their project idea and partly increasing their own knowledge regarding blood-borne viruses, the need for strong emotional support, the wisdom of not using drugs alone in case of overdose, and the consequences of drug use, including incarceration.
The “Say kNOw to Drugs for the Next Generation” mural for Redfern railway station was conceived. Group members knew that “Just Say No” campaigns weren’t working – they actually drive drug use underground, causing more stigma and harm. The decision was made to educate and raise awareness of the risks associated with drug use, with a view to keeping the community safer.
All the while, with the support of elders and an Advisory Committee, the group were negotiating with State Rail and NSW Health. At one stage they met with the NSW Premier’s Chief Advisor (who later became a premier himself). Negotiations and compromises included decreasing the number of syringes and the amount of blood depicted.
The group worked with an artist to design the mural and painted it on the wall themselves.
Throughout the process people using the station were curious and asked a lot of questions. Over time there have been one or two incidences of graffiti – one a “tag” and another the colouring in of the “k” and “w” – not bad for a mural that’s been there for decades.
But why are we discussing the mural now? A couple of times over the years members of the broader community have suggested it is no longer relevant, that it paints all Aboriginal people as drug users, that it should be moved elsewhere.
Others argue that the messages within the mural – community, health, education, harm reduction, blood-borne virus transmission and overdose prevention – have never been more relevant. The broader community and the thousands of people who walk or drive past everyday deserve to have their knowledge and awareness increased. The mural is a legacy to the passionate, caring group who put themselves out there to educate the next generation. Drug use happens in all suburbs, in all cultures and the issues and harms associated with it don’t just go away.
