St George Community Housing

In 2018, Murrawarri artist and longtime Boomalli member, Joe Hurst was commissioned by St George Community Housing to create artwork designs for a new social housing development at 11 Gibbons St, Redfern, designed by DKO.

Joe’s artwork titled “The Way Home” was integrated into the feature ceiling, terrazzo floor treatments and facade brickwork.

Joe had an incredible skillset and knowledge of construction and art, and was greatly admired and respected by everyone who worked with him on this project. Joe worked collaboratively with St George Community Housing, DKO and Lendlease to integrate his art into the building.

The artwork is a symbol of connection and Country for the Redfern community. The lines in the design represent pathways and water movement, reflecting the historic waterways and traditional gathering activities of the area.

The building is situated on Gibbons St, outside Redfern Station, and the soffit ceiling featuring Joe’s artwork can be prominently seen at night.

The building has been the winner of several awards including UDIA NSW Crown group Award for Excellence 2022, Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Award Affordable Development 2021 Powerhousing – Program Leadership and Government Collaboration Award 202.

Joe sadly passed away in 2022. Boomalli is forever grateful for everything Joe has done for our organisation as an artist member, board member, staff, volunteer, mentor and friend to many generations of artists. As a mark of respect to Joe and his long service to the Co-operative, The Boomalli Board has bestowed upon him a life membership.