Vondelini, a Brisbane-based artist, has made a significant impact on the mental health of workers at Evolution Mining’s Mungari Gold Mine in Western Australia by creating a powerful, 16-metre-high mural. The mural’s statement is direct and empowering, “Family, you are not alone. It serves as a reminder to the dangerous miners that you will be returning home to your family soon. It’s Vondelini’s deeply personal experiences that fuel this important endeavor. After losing two friends to suicide, he wanted to do his part to build a deeper sense of community among remote workers who can feel so alone.
A colorful mural decorates one of the massive holding tanks at the mine. In doing so, it has become a potent reminder of the need for increased mental health awareness and support within the mining community. Vondelini was inspired, the tank had such potential as a blank canvas. He soon realized an incredible opportunity to use art as a tool for expression, advocacy, and understanding. At the recent opening of Evolution Mining’s Mungari mill, Vondelini spoke with fervor about his plans for the artwork. He explained his inspiration and ambition with managing director Lawrie Conway.
The Inspiration Behind the Mural
Filling up her palette Vondelini’s path to paint this mural began with an impactful vision. They were aware of the poor working conditions that miners had to endure. He didn’t just want to represent the tank as a pure object of function. He wanted to send the strongest message possible of hope and of common cause.
Reflecting on his motivation, Vondelini stated, “It’s essentially a reason for the guys to go home.” His testimony highlights the emotional cost that long periods away from home exact on workers. For long stretches of time, some miners live in remote, isolated environments that can contribute to a sense of isolation from family and community.
Vondelini’s mural boldly articulates the notion of support and encouragement within the mining industry. It is central to the conversation about mental health in the industry. He emphasized its role in prompting miners to remember their purpose: “Everybody’s isolated; we’re away for like three weeks at a time. But sometimes, you just need that little nudge to be like, ‘Oh, that’s why I’m going home.”
Mental Health Challenges in Mining
Mental health challenges are finally receiving more attention, especially in high-stress industries such as the mining sector. When day workers are separated from their families and communities, they are more susceptible to exploitation. Mr. Samuel, a miner, noted that returning home can be difficult: “You come back home, you feel disconnected, and then you take it to camp or site with you.”
Dr. Carpini, a mental health advocate, spoke on the subject, stating, “This isn’t feeling lonely at lunch and you know, ‘Buck up mate.’ This is having a serious impact on the quality of these people’s lives.” Addressing misinformation Dr. Carpini stressed the need for more initiatives like Vondelini’s mural. He made it clear that we have a “long way to go” in treating mental health problems plaguing the industry.
Even with these greater challenges, Vondelini’s mural shines a light of hope to guide our way forward. He remarked, “It’s paid for itself. There’s a guy walking around that’s still alive because of this.” We think this statement powerfully captures the immediate and incredible impact art can have in creating conversations that demolish stigma and nurture mental wellbeing.
A Call for Continued Awareness
In this way, this mural was much more than an artistic project. Equally as important is its contribution to a growing movement to increase awareness about the mental health of the mining workforce. More importantly, it represents a realization that money isn’t everything when it comes to achieving sustained health and prosperity. Mr. Samuel commented on this reality: “The money’s going to prop you up, but that can only last for so long.”
Dr. Carpini further emphasized the importance of continued focus on mental health resources: “We know that there’s still such a long way to go.” He calls for continued dialogues and efforts focused on building healthy, sustainable communities that support the quality of life of miners.
