Welcome To Country 3

The Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are significant cultural protocols in Australia, honoring the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land. These ceremonies are a profound expression of respect, recognizing the enduring connection of Indigenous Australians to their country and culture. The Welcome to Country is typically performed by an Elder or representative of the local Indigenous community and may include speeches, dancing, singing, or a smoking ceremony. The Acknowledgement of Country can be offered by anyone, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, to show respect for the traditional owners of the land on which an event takes place. It is a practice that fosters inclusivity and promotes a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and spiritual connections to the land. As Australia continues to move towards reconciliation, these practices play a vital role in acknowledging the past and building a shared future.

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Artist Statement
I was born in Cunnamulla, a small town in southwestern Queensland, on the edge of Barunggam Country. My yumba—my traditional home—is the land of the Barunggam people, who, for thousands of years, have walked gently on this Country as part of the Wakka Wakka language group. Our connection to the Darling Downs runs deep, shared with neighbouring clans like the Keinjan, Giabal, Jarowair, Bigambal, Kambuwal, and Jagara—each with their own sacred stories, songs, and traditions.

As an Aboriginal artist, my work is more than a visual experience—it is a spiritual practice, a cultural responsibility, and a personal journey. My inspiration comes from the land, from our Dreaming, and from the teachings of my wise grandad. Through him, I learned that painting is not about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. Every line, every dot, every colour carries emotion, memory, and meaning.

I do not paint to follow trends or fit into boxes. I paint from feeling and truth. My art is a language—spoken through ochre tones, deep blues, and patterns shaped by the rhythm of Country. It is how I honour my ancestors, how I keep our stories alive, and how I share our culture with the world.

Each piece I create is a declaration:
This is who I am. This is where I come from. This is my story.

Through my work, I hope to offer a glimpse into the soul of Barunggam Country, to connect others with the strength, beauty, and resilience of Aboriginal culture. My art is a tribute to the generations who walked before me—and a message to the generations still to come.