Collaboration built on acceptance

By Emily Donohoe

May 9, 2025

The *Acceptance Tree* has been crafted by Yorta Yorta artist Stuart Hearn and represents unity, inclusion and care. Photos: Jordan Townrow. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation and Campaspe Shire Council launched an installation at Echuca library, centred around the Acceptance Tree.

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The sculpture, created by Yorta Yorta artist Stuart Hearn, is made from red gum burl, eucalyptus didgeridoo, concrete, acrylic paints and emu feathers.

Uncle Colin Atkinson performs a smoking ceremony at the launch. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Hands have been cast from community leaders and are reaching out of a didgeridoo belonging to Mr Hearn, with a symbolic headdress on the top of the sculpture.

On Wednesday, May 7, a launch event was held by council and Njernda to present the sculpture, along with a short film featuring local Elders reflecting on their experiences with acceptance.

Njernda representative and Yorta Yorta Elder Uncle Keith Hearn draws on his experiences of acceptance. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Uncle Colin Atkinson performed a Welcome to Country at the launch, while Yorta Yorta Elder and Njernda representative Uncle Keith Hearn provided his reflections on the project and its aims.

Campaspe Shire Council First Peoples engagement officer Suzy Barlow introduced the collaborative installation with Stuart Hearn.

Artist Stuart Hearn speaks about the installation and its significance. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The project’s purpose is to promote reconciliation and inclusion through the themes of the film and the symbolism of the sculpture.

“Everybody has a desire to be wanted and needed, and to me, it is the essence of acceptance,” Mr Hearn said.

Echuca library will be home to the Acceptance Tree sculpture and accompanying vignettes for the next four to six weeks, before it moves to another location in Campaspe Shire Council.

Leaders from across the community, including Njernda and Campaspe Shire Council, attended the sculpture launch on Wednesday, May 7. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“This project provides a unique opportunity for reflection, connection and walking together in a spirit of respect and shared understanding," Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said.

"The Acceptance Tree sculpture is a powerful message about the strength and resilience of our First Nations community.

“It beautifully captures the essence of acceptance and unity, and the accompanying video vignettes provide a profound insight into the personal experiences of local Elders.”