Ancient existence is my reflection of a culturally significant site known to our people as Moyjil, (also known as Point Ritchie) situated within the rugged coastline of Warrnambool, at the mouth of the Hopkins River.

The top part represents the land and the tall layered rocky stacks of ancient earth protruding out onto the coastline.

Within these layers the limestone has preserved special midden sites that have been researched and studied by scientists for over 30 years to uncover and prove our ancestor’s ancient existence.

The middens are represented by gold flecks above the main circle within the layered land, because to me, it is worth more than finding gold.

The large circle in the middle represents Moyjil as a main gathering place, with the layers of small circles coming out from each side representing the hundreds or potentially thousands of different tribes that would have passed through, utilising the area.

The gold lines coming out from the large gathering place, are journey lines of the tribes and clans to get there, as well as representing our coastal connection.

The dots represent the grains of sand that still hold the memories of our ancient existence, and the waves at the bottom represent the ocean, that provided our people a rich abundance of food and resources.

Healing Country + Paving the Way are sections from this orginal painting.

The leaves in this piece represent Growth. Within the leaves are family, their journeys and the generations of children that carry on culture and become part of our growing community. The pattern in between the leaves represents their connection to culture, families, and Country