2026 Years 11/12 entries
Entries are shown in alphabetical order by artist’s first name
Adelaide
Wiradjuri
Ngurambang (home)
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
My piece is called Ngurambang, meaning ‘home’ in Wiradjuri language. I used the warm ochre and brown tones of the piece to reflect the red dirt and ancient landscapes of Wiradjuri Country, while the intricate dot work and circular patterns symbolise the traditional use of waterholes, community, and the richness of the soil in Indigenous communities. The flowing white lines trace the Galare area (Lachlan River), illustrating both the physical waterways of my area and the spiritual journeys of the ancestors who walked before me. On the borders, the tracks of the Gugaa (goanna), the overarching totem of the Wiradjuri Nation, stand as spiritual guides, weaving a thread between the past and the present. By placing symbols of the specific people who have mentored me at the heart of these ancestral tracks, the artwork celebrates an identity inseparable from the land. It is a visual testament to the unbreakable bond between my culture, my Country, and the community supporting my growth.
Alexzandra
Gomeroi
Chosen family
Artwork
Theme: Family and Community
Description
This pace was painted for my brother and my sister-in-law when they were moving out as a resemblance of how they left their families to start their own. And how even though they’ve started their own families, their families are still there to support them even if from a distance.
Amber-Lilly
Australie
The southern star
Born under the southern star, I go out.
My skin is light. My lips are thin. Through the mirror;
I cannot see my ancestors with this face.
Not the men who hunted on country, not the women who gathered on country. These people made me. Yet I see their life through a distorted lens– glass shattered by stolen children and stolen land.
People ask me where I am from, I tell them the land they’re standing on. They see my light eyes and their brows furrow. Their doubt becomes my echo.
I see the way they look at my family– my brother with his darkened skin and thick hair. They give him a sneer.
I go home, the door shuts.
I see my grandmother with her paintings strewn across the wall, her fingers dancing between the stringybark. She grins at me with big lips.
I see my uncle with his didgeridoo, teaching my cousins in a circle. His skin is dark as the wood.
The questions: where are you really from? Are you sure? I heard- It claws at my chest. Ignited by the slurs, the judgement, the silence. It swallows the land like wildfire.
Yet, in the warm glow of a home bound by love and struggle, I forget it all.
No longer will I let their gaze define my name.
I am born under the southern star as the others before me and as the others after me. I will dance and celebrate and commemorate on country.
The joy of love on country is not gained through looks or brutal men’s eyes, it is in feeling the smoke graze skin, and in mapping the emu across the sky with wide, hopeful eyes. It is knowing that no matter what- what you look like, where you’ve been, who you are;
We are home under our southern star.
The southern star
Text
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
The southern star is a free form poem that I made as a reflection of my identity as an Aboriginal person that does not “look” the part. It brings forth the disconnect that was caused by non-indigenous people judging my value of Aboriginality through my looks. Additionally, I also discuss the colourism that many Aboriginal Australians face. This poem holds the general message of valuing your culture not on how well you look the part, but instead how you contribute and grow with your culture.
Ashlyn
Wadi Wadi
Undiluted
Artwork
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
My piece explores how my heritage shapes my identity, inspired by the phrase “coffee is still coffee no matter how much milk you put in it.” This reflects the idea that while many cultures influence who I am, my Aboriginality remains central to my identity.
At the centre is a mug painted with the Aboriginal flag, symbolising how being Aboriginal shapes the way I move through life and perceive the world. It sits on a Santorini-style plate representing my Greek heritage. Surrounding it are bowls representing other parts of my heritage: a Polish bowl painted in the Bolesławiec style, a small bowl inspired by vintage French stoneware, and a green bowl featuring a Celtic Trinity knot to represent my Irish and Scottish heritage.
The small milk jug is divided into four sections, each referencing the designs of the other bowls and the cultural influence of these non-Indigenous aspects of my heritage. The intentional lack of indigenous symbolism on said milk jug reflects the “milk” in the phrase, while the mug, the “coffee”, remains unchanged.
This piece expresses that although my heritage is diverse, my Aboriginality remains the foundation of who I am.
The title is in reference to the idea that even with my mixed heritage does not make me any less Aboriginal.
Audrey
Gamilaroi, Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung
Riverbank
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
This artwork represents the deep spiritual connection and interdependent relationship between Aboriginal peoples, the land, waterways and animals of Country. The animal tracks represent the important cultural responsibility that Aboriginal peoples carry to care for the land and all of its inhabitants, viewing themselves not as more important than any other living thing, but as equals who are part of an ecosystem of life where every part is valued as much as any other.
As people fish and hunt to feed their community, they make sure to only take what they need to thrive in order to sustain the health and resources of the land. The story centres around this circular balance and harmony between people and nature – a way of living that respects our intrinsic interconnectedness with, and responsibility to, all things.
A beautifully balanced, elegant work that feels timeless and is deeply moving. Flowing waterways and circular forms creating rhythms and interconnectedness. The careful choice of colours reinforces the ideas of balance, sustainability, and shared responsibility. This artist expresses with clarity and grace their profound understanding of reciprocity in nature.
Ms Kate Chaney MP
Great use of colour and portrayal of connection between people, land, animals and waterways.
Mr Tom Venning MP
Brieanna
Borroloola/Vanderlin Island
My Grandfather’s Country – Vanderlin Island
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
This is my Grandfather’s country that I grew up in – Vanderlin Island. It matters to me a lot. I belong here. I feel happy when I go there – like my 2nd home.
Carol-Ann
kuku yalanji
Journey
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
At the centre of the painting is a circle that represents me—the moment I chose to go all in. The layers of dots show my experiences, my growth, and everything that has shaped who I am.
Around me are the other circles, each representing different parts of my journey—my growth, my thoughts, my strength, and the unknown. Even though they are separate, they are all connected, showing that every part of my life plays a role in who I am becoming.
Moving through the painting is the snake, winding between each circle. The snake represents guidance, change, and the journey itself. It doesn’t move in a straight line—it curves and weaves, showing that life isn’t perfect or predictable. But it keeps moving forward, connecting everything along the way.
The dotted paths show the steps I take—every choice, every challenge, every moment of growth. Some paths are clear, while others are uncertain, but they all lead back to me.
The sunset background represents a time of change—the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. The warm colours show courage and energy, while the fading light represents stepping into the unknown.
The three mini circles are my three miscarriages I’ve had and to experience that at my age is a hurtful thing no one should go through no matter the age and I’d love for them to be incorporated into this painting to get my story heard and to make sure they know mummy is thinking of them through schooling and life just because I got knocked down doesn’t mean I can get back up.
Delliza
Pilbara
My Country
Waking up on a sunny morning where the sunshine hits your eyes before waking up. Getting up in the outback looking around at the lovely river sand where the big trees are too high, you’re only looking at the bark covering the tree, the lovely water running as slow as the sand moves before stepping on top of it. Smelling the lovely trees swaying side by side with a smell from morning fog, freshwater running is one the best smell, it’s got hints of nature, sand and home soil. My heart feels at home when I step foot on homeland, the feeling of joy, comfort, happiness and at my peace. Hearing the water flowing down when it runs also the splashing of water when you come connect with water, the trees moving un controllingly, the bacon popping while dad is cooking, birds chirping, sound of sands moving before we step on it, the wind with a slight chance of whistling echoing in my ears. Lovely bacon with a crispy taste, eggs leading with a yoke in the center of my toast, tea in the mornings for when you wake up feeling stuffy down your throat. Touching the car steering wheel the feeling that I am about to drive where no police can ever pull me up, the birds eggs that they left behind putting it to safety, sand running through my hands as I swish my hands through it, touching the bottom of the water as I lay through the running water before closing my eyes
My Country
Text
Theme: Family and Community
Description
Family and country alway coincide with each other, it is where I belong and feel happy.
Denariah
Broome
Saltwater Country
Photography
Theme: Family and Community
Description
Connection to country happens side by side with family on fishing trip as presented in my application.
Eivannah
Torres Strait Islands
Home
When the sand meets your toes, the sea breeze catches your hair, and the sound of waves crashing onto the beach… this is home. This is where I am at my happiest, in the Torres Strait Islands. My connection to the water and land runs deep – the water and land heal me, give me energy, provide food, and are culturally significant to me, my family, and my ancestors. The ocean is the foundation that sustains us. It provides my family and I with delicious food from fish to turtles to oysters and more. But it is very important that we look after it in return; my home.
This is home. The salt water heals everything. Swimming and being on the beach gives me a sense of rejuvenation. A flood of joy washes over me like a wave washing over the sandy shore. The smell of salt water hits me, and the water cools my body from the heat. It’s a feeling that no words can describe – just you, the sea, the sand, and the beach.
This is home. The calm waves that rock the boat, the family challenges to see who can get the best catch of the day. The swimming until you have wrinkles on your fingers, the cuts on your hands from the fishing lines, and the endless laughter of the day – many of my favourite memories involve the ocean and it helps me be at my happiest even when I am far away.
This is home. When we Island dance, it’s a way that we tell stories that have been passed down from our elders. When I was younger, I represented my culture at multiple events through Island dancing. It is one of my favourite connections to my culture. In cultural cook-ups, the land provides natural ingredients, from coconuts to yams to taro, which are eaten, enjoyed, and are extremely delicious.
When people ask about my connection to the water and the land, I tell them about the Island. It‘s where I feel at ease. This connection has made me into who I am today – a girl who loves her culture, the sea animals, water, and the land that carries my family and my ancestors. For all the days, I will always love, protect, and care for the ocean and land with honour as it has cared for our people. This is the place I call home.
Home
Text
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
My text is about the connection I have to my traditional country. When I am away at boarding school the memories of home makes me appreciate my connection to the land and water, that I miss constantly when I’m away. The memories from home makes me feel a sense of comfort, a reassurance feeling that I only have 8-10 weeks until I go back for the school holidays and happy that I have such a beautiful place to call ‘Home’.
Ezra
Saibai Island
The Island Remembers
Artwork
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
Kapu Kut Ngau nel Ezra Akiba, Ngau zugub Singiyal, Ngau boeway Moey buway Karbay Thabu, Ngay Saibailaig.
Hello Good Morning, My name is Ezra Akiba, my constellation is singiyal, My family is small from the tribe Crane & Snake and I’m a proud Saibai Islander.
‘The Island Remembers’ is a tribute to my island of Saibai and where it has gotten me today as a student at Nudgee College. The mediums used was a cork canvas shaped into a small surf board and acrylic paint. The top of the artwork represents my identity – to the right is a self portrait of me in front of my island of Sabai; and to the left is constructed with a mix of traditional patterns and symbols from my home. At the centre of the piece is a mixture of shells, palm trees, a turtle, and a wave; items that are at the heart of Saibai and represents how much I love spending time at home by the sea. Particularly, the wave is a reminder of the tidal waves that are unfortunately slowly sinking Sabai due to climate change. This is something I am a big advocate for to save our home. Finally the bottom of the piece is a tribute to my time at Nudgee. Although it has only been two years, it has been one of the best experiences in my life and I have made so many friends and connections that have opened my future pathways after boarding school.
Jade
Australia
Australian outdoor
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
Cultural outback gathering.
Jason
Wyndham
My Story
When my little eyes open, I make myself a nice breakfast with some salty crispy bacon, I whip the soft eggs to make the yolk thick and with two pieces of toast with some mango, and orange juice on the side to flush down my feed. When I’m done eating, I clean up after myself, wash the dishes, make everything tidy, then I shower, get ready, put on my fishing clothes, pack the bush Toyota with some fishing supplies we need. We’ll head out. We go to bait spots, set the nets and to set up the nets we’ll have to swim across the creek, and these creeks are muddy water, you cannot see the bottom, and it’s infested with 20 to 25m crocs. When we get our bait, we go to this fishing spot called Bradshaw Ben, but we call it High Bank for short, it’s not a bad place to go fishing but the only fish you’ll mostly catch will be catfish. If you are lucky enough, you’ll probably pull up a BIG BARRA! We collect fire wood, to start the fire for the food we caught, when we’re done and feel exhausted, we tidy the area, burn the rubbish on the fire, then head back home.
My Story
Text
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
Fishing on my country is where I feel at home with the wildlife and my family.
Jordan
Wonnarua Maitland area
A video of me sharing my Wonnarua culture
Video
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
My story/video is about how I identify as an Aboriginal man in my experience this was near the beach also i work with LWB as a youth advocate and my family is a great example my video has pictures shown to the words am saying I also has a speech disorder that why the words is on the screen my teacher Megan was super happy when I did this I hope this helps it does go abit fast in the video at one point to make sure it under 4 minutes thanks
Lacquine
Walangeri
The Sun and Moon Dreaming
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
This is part of my story. So, its about my country, Yarralin. And its about 2 places. One is the Sun Dreaming and the other is the Moon Dreaming. Its my story and it matters. Its just me.
Larni
Wiradjuri
Generations
Artwork
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
This art work explores how traditional Indigenous art has evolved over generations, the snake is 3d made from natural clay. This artwork shows memories from past storytelling from an elder. This shows my identity as an young Aboriginal woman, being able to share and connect my story and beliefs through art.
A striking, imaginative work that pushes together tradition and contemporary expression, with the 3D clay snake adding wonderful dimension, presence and texture to the work. Rich with symbolism, this work feels confident, and thoughtful as the artist expresses their connection to Elders and Country, plus hope and pride and commitment to carrying forward cultural traditions in her own distinctive way.
Ms Kate Chaney MP
That snake is amazing! Very creative and colourful.
Mr Tom Venning MP
Linton
Australia
Witchetty Grubs
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
This picture is Witchetty Grubs – like hunting, looking to find them, outside Canteen Creek. Then we eat them. They taste nice. My family has been doing this forever.
Lyla
My Family
Artwork
Theme: Family and Community
Description
My family Coolamon (dhiyaan bin.guwi) portrays my mother and her children. She is the centre because in my eyes, she is the centre of the world, followed by my siblings from oldest to youngest being the last colour of the artwork. I remember when I was finding something to weave, I had no idea what to do or what gave me meaning in life. It took me around two weeks to figure out that the artwork was in my everyday life, my family. When this came to me, there was an instant relief because my family means a lot to me, and I knew I would keep this Coolamon for a very long time. I sat down and planned out how I was going to represent my family. Once I figured it out, I could use natural raffia for the base and paper raffia to represent each member of my family. There were no set colours for each member, but I focused on how each colour meets with the next, showing a connection. After completing the family Coolamon, I found a true meaning in it, symbolising the connection we will have even from afar and the protection my mum will provide.
A deeply personal and beautifully made work that transforms weaving into a story of love, protection and belonging. The wonderful choices of colour and form to represent family connection is beautifully crafted and moving, given a handmade Coolamon carries such deep, emotional meaning. The symbolism of the mother at the centre creates a touching focal point, expressing care, strength, and continuity. This is a heartfelt artwork that honours family as both anchor and home.
Ms Kate Chaney MP
I like the journey you went on to create this beautiful artwork representing your family.
Mr Tom Venning MP
Malachi
Bremar Bay
Symphony
It’s the evening, last period of school and my favorite time, that being music class. As I walk into the music room, the cold air-con hits my face. Not only that, but the stress from my shoulders ease when I look to see my drum kit. As I walk into the back room and get my sticks my other bandmates set up around me. As I’m walking to my drum kit, the symbols shine. As our band starts playing. And the music starts flowing. The rhythm. Pulsating throughout the room, I love music, not only because it’s a passion, it’s also something that you can feel, something that you can have a connection to. I also love music because it encapsulates emotion. For example, there are sad songs, happy songs, there’s hype up songs and there’s favourites.
Music is also a part of my culture. For I am a dancer. And you need music to dance. Music can be simple. Music can be complex. Music can be anything you put your mind to. As I thrash away at the drums. symbols collide perfectly with what my bandmates are doing around them. Nobody is more important than anyone when it comes to a band. We are all the same. Contributing our skills and making vibes. The bass and the drums are like the glue for the band. That’s what keeps the rhythm. That’s what keeps the flow. Music can make change. A good example of this is a song by The Cranberries. Called Zombie. Which we are playing in our school band but it’s not all easy, you have to work like you have to work with everything, music isn’t just one sided you must have compassion. An effort. And you must love it, if you don’t have those three things, you’re just not going to make good music. Music to me is more than just noise, it’s more than just composure. It’s my life. I love every single little thing about it. It’s the Greatest invention ever. Although music was not invented it’s merely been around since the beginning of time. Throughout my life, I’ve been connected to music. Whether that be sitting down and listening to it, making it, playing it talking about it, it’s my passion. and with that, the last note of my text comes to an end like a beautiful symphony. Composed by yours truly, Malachi Hayward, have a lovely day whoever may be reading this.
Symphony
Text
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
School is 100 % Aboriginal students so culture is imbedded everywhere and music has always been a part of all aboriginal cultures and my life.
Maloo
Gubbi Gubbi
Irish Rage
Audio
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
This rap song is about my nationality and where my bloodline comes from. I didn’t have it easy growing up till I was four year of age. I came to live with my two white foster mums, which I eventually got adopted. I’m currently living with my half sister and, my mum. As the song says my biological parents are addicted to drugs, I’ve seen that cloud, and I don’t want to go in the same footsteps. I decided to start music writing when I was 13, and I got bullied for it, I saw this yarning competition as a way to express my story not through just words or a presentation but a lyrical song/rap.
Mia
Dja Dja wurrung (Bendigo region) and Ngurai Illum wurrung
My journey through connection and culture
Artwork
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
This piece represents my life and the journey I’ve taken. The flowing songlines show the paths and experiences that have shaped me along the way, connecting me to my identity and culture. The colours I have chosen reflect the brightness of connection, growth and clarity, while the softer, duller spaces reflect the quiet beginnings and early moments that shaped who I am. Together, the patterns tell a story of resilience, relationships, culture, and the beauty found within my ongoing journey.
Moira
Mount Isa
Connection
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
How I describe my artwork is it symbolises the connection between all tribes and how we are all connected in some sort of way, from the running river and Greeks to the dusty deserts we are all one and it also symbolises the meeting grounds in Cape York and all traditional elders and tribes from all over Australia went there to sort out stuff from disagreements to even trying to find purposes but on that note my artwork symbolises that we are all ONE!
Oak Flats High School
Wadi Wadi Dharawal
Muru Nanga Mai (Dreaming Track) – Dharawal
Video
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
This movie was inspired by three of our local spiritual areas in the Illawarra .
Our students dance group decided on Connecting to Country after we discussed at length. The dancers wanted to express their connection to these important land marks.
Student meet and discussed with Uncle Richard Campbell and Aunty Lindy Lawler two local Elders from our LGA during our Sista and Bro Speak programs. We then work out a plan and students lead the way .Our dancing were created from Gang man Gang dreamtime story of Windang Island.
Students worked making there dance out fits weekly this term.
The whole process was an amazing experience to go on country to shoot with a small team of students who work with our promotions officer to create the finish product. Our Dancers work hard and we believe they did an awesome job working and encouraging one another together. What a great opportunity to have regard less of outcome it strengthen relationships within our community and school.
Perry
Wakka Wakka
My family returns like the boomerang
Artwork
Theme: Family and Community
Description
I drew my family going on their journey. The boomerang represents my family because they always come back.
Sienna
Ngunnawal
My People, My Land
Artwork
Theme: Family and Community
Description
The artwork that I created represents the land from which I come from, and my family and community are so closely intertwined. It shows the land in which I have been raised, with the Wollondilly river running through the top to seperate the sky and stars (ancestors), from the ground (living generations). The painting also shows how the land is closely linked to how our family and community are, with common land, interests and ideals. This is seen in my artwork with the songlines connecting different mobs together and the people in the foreground coming together to help heal the land.
Shontae
Whadjuk, Perth Western Australia
Moort Boodja Kaartdijin. Family/Community and Knowledge
Artwork
Theme: Family and Community
Description
Our community represents our Family — the people around us here in Baldivis who share our cultural roots and walk this journey with us. Over time, we’ve built something broad, bright, and deeply connected.
The future ahead of us is full of possibility. We’ve come so far from where we began — from having limited support, limited teachers, and limited spaces to learn about our culture, to now having opportunities, guidance, and a safe environment where we can come together and grow.
There is still more work to do. More growing, more expanding, and more supporting those around us. But with the right guidance and the strength of our community, we will continue to rise.
We must always be proud of who we are, where we come from, and what makes us unique. A strong community and a strong environment help us stay connected. When you find yourself, you find your people — and through that connection, we all become stronger.
An uplifting work that beautifully celebrates community, cultural identity, and collective strength. The intricate patterning and radiant use of colour to create a sense of energy, movement, and connection. This is a picture celebrating community and feels grounded, pointing towards a confident future. The layered composition show people, stories, and pathways coming together to form something larger and stronger together. Especially moving is the artwork’s sense of optimism-honouring the progress made while understanding the journey is still ahead.
Ms Kate Chaney MP
A vibrant celebration of your family and community, well done!
Mr Tom Venning MP
Sophie
Gomeroi land
Spirit Tracks
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection
Description
“Spirit Tracks” is an artwork that tells a story of identity, culture, ancestors, and home for all those from the Gomeroi Nation. The goanna is particularly important in the Gomeroi Nation, symbolising strength, resilience, and adaptability. It teaches persistence and patience, as well as the importance of letting go of old habits, and is recognised as this nations totem. The goanna watches over the land and our people, creating a deep connection to our heritage and to Country.
The meeting places shown represents home, community, and family, and the places where traditions and stories are shared, highlighting the importance of coming together. The paths linking these places represent the journeys of our ancestors, as well as our own journeys, both past and present, as we leave our own tracks on this land.
We are this land’s protectors.
Mountains rise in the distance, representing strength and reminding us that Country has always been here and will continue to tell the stories of our people as generations pass. They also describe the importance of protecting the beauty of the land. Across the landscape, native flowers bloom, representing life, growth, renewal, and the ongoing cultural strength of the nation.
Above Mother Earth, the constellations shine brightly, representing our ancestors and those who have passed, who continue to watch over us. They also represent the knowledge held within the stars and the deep connection between the land and the sky, particularly shown through the image of the Emu in the Sky.
This artwork shares our connection to the land, culture, and history, particularly for those of Gomeroi heritage.
Tahlia-Ann
Yin Yang clapping sticks
Artwork
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
Taking two cultures, making it into one. Taking the Chinese side & the Indigenous side. Taking a symbol of Yin Yang mainly spread throughout Chinese culture and symbolising and representing it through the cultural ways of Aboriginal and Indigenous Designing clap sticks to represent the Yin, one side young and the other side Yang.
Tasmin
Bundjalung
Where I Stand
Artwork
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
Where I Stand (和丹 Harmony in Two Worlds)
For most of my life, I have felt caught between two cultures, trying to understand where I belong within both. Half Bundjalung, half Chinese, I have spent much of my life questioning where I stand, whether identity is something inherited, something learned, or something you spend your whole life trying to piece together.
The left side of my painting reflects my Aboriginal heritage. It is dense and layered, not because it is complete, but because it is still forming in my understanding. My family was part of the Stolen Generation, and much of what should have been passed down was lost before it reached me. I only know that I am Bundjalung. A few years ago I visited Country for the first time, and my auntie gave me my animal totem, the koala. Its footprints move through the work, marking a path I am still learning to follow. Around this are the people who have supported me along the way, my parents, my teachers, and others who have helped me make sense of where I come from. The detail on this side reflects the gaps in my understanding as much as what is present.
The right side represents my Chinese heritage. It has been part of my life since I was born. My grandparents came to Australia from China when I was young and helped raise me, speaking Chinese at home. The simplicity of this side reflects that familiarity. It is a part of me that feels clearer, more grounded.
On the right are two characters. 丹 is my name, meaning cinnabar and vermilion, symbolising beauty, sincerity, and devotion. 和 means harmony and peace. I included it not as something I have achieved, but as something I am still trying to understand in myself. The lotus represents balance and harmony, something I am still learning to find within myself.
The tension within this work comes from existing between these two identities. I have often wondered whether I am meant to find balance between them, or whether I will always feel divided by them. Some parts of myself feel deeply connected, while others still feel distant and unfamiliar. Where I Stand reflects that uncertainty. It is about living in the space between knowing and searching, between inheritance and loss, and trying to understand how both cultures can exist within me at the same time.
Téa
Wiradjuri mob in Wellington
Am I just a label or is there something more
Audio
Theme: Identity and Culture
Description
This entry is on the theme of Identity and Culture, it talks about my experience as an Indigenous girl living in modern society. I talk about the strengths of my rich culture, the importance of knowing yourself and your ancestors, and the struggles of stereotypes.
Victoria
Dharug and Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay/Gomeroi)
The Colours That Made Me
Artwork
Theme: Family and Community
Description
This piece is a visual narrative of my search for belonging and the transformative power of sport. For a long time, I felt like an outsider, until I stepped onto an AFL oval. The central meeting place in this painting marks that pivotal moment, the birth of my journey, and the first time I truly felt “home.”
However, growth often brings displacement. The orange section reflects a period of my life spent in a toxic environment where I felt targeted and uneasy. The hunting boomerangs symbolise that sense of being pursued, representing a time when I lost my sense of self within a fractured community.
The transition to the blue team represents my reclamation. Guided by a mentor to a new “family,” I finally found a space that nurtured my spirit rather than depleting it. Through the contrast of these two worlds, this artwork explores the duality of the athlete’s experience: the struggle of being divided between communities and the ultimate peace found in discovery. This is a story of moving through the hunt to find where I truly belong.