ForourElders.

Take a look around the room

Now tell me what do you see? Note the number of missing Elders

Many have departed but have left their legacy.

Matriarchs, Patriarchs, the heads of family Disciplinarians, trail blazers, fighting for equality. Elders have been activists and have paved the way for all, With strength and tenacity never giving up, even when they fall.

Look into an Elders eyes and you will vaguely see, Some have sadness, some have pain – a distant memory. Segregation, forced removal, loss of culture, land and family Not recognised, couldn’t vote, not able to live freely.

Some served in wars and others on stations Elders toiled away each day. They experienced hard and atrocious times, Treated unfairly and denied their pay.

We look to Elders for comfort, For guidance knowledge and care Their encouragement and words of wisdom They keep us in their prayers.

Elders have seen changes, Over the many years, The invention of mobile phones and electric cars And endless choice of beers!

They’ve been our teachers and advisors, doctor and a judge Strong willed, stubborn, a bit over the top, and at times wont even budge! But, if you’ve done wrong and think of having a sook, Don’t bother moaning and groaning - cause they’ll give you ‘that look’.

One last thing I want you to know, Honour, celebrate and respect them – before they all go. Applaud them, acknowledge them and simply be impressed, Our Elders are irreplaceable and because of them our lives have been richly blessed.

Poem by the Townsville NAIDOC Committee

The design is based on the 2023 NAIDOC theme, “For Our Elders”. The artwork depicts the respect we have For Our Elders, for what they have achieved for us to date. It shows the younger generation continuing on working for a better lifestyle and a better world for us all.

Robert was born in Bowen, North Queensland, home of the JURU people. He has always had an interest in art, practising art at home as a hobby, painting local murals, and finally exhibiting his own paintings.

In 2003, Robert started his own business in Graphic Design, Illustration and Murals. While in business, he has now painted over 20 Murals for many schools throughout Townsville and Bowen. Robert has also been involved in numerous publications of Indigenous works, including illustrating a Children’s Book called “Biddy’s Fishing Line”, (This book became part of the Queensland School Curriculum) and an Indigenous Poetry Book called “Crows Feathers”. In 2004, he won an Indigenous National Award, the “Henry Mayer Media Prize” for his work in Crows Feathers. Robert contributed not only to the cover and layout design but also illustrated for some of the poetry pieces in the book.

He continues to work with both mainstream and Indigenous businesses throughout Australia with his graphic design and illustrations. Art and Design have taken him to areas he could only have dreamt of. He looks forward to continuing in this field of work that he loves and respects.