First Nations artwork for new brand identity

Artist's narrative

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities often find themselves healing due to colonial impacts. This artwork acknowledges the over-representation in the judicial system because of this historical legacy that often puts our community at a constant disadvantage. The healing stones honour this constant untangling.

The footprints represent walking in our ancestors footprints and honouring their resilience, determination and survival and remembering there is so much strength in community and being connected to Country.

The hands are reaching out for such supports, which Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) seek to offer through their engagement and assistance. Our ways of being, our language, our cultural principles and community leadership should be offered and supported when we find ourselves navigating systemic processes.

It is important for mob to feel welcome(d); the gum leaves represent VLA being a culturally safe space for all to share and learn and grow.

Community and culture are our lifeline; the meeting places represent our connections, songlines, wisdoms, elders, leaders and family and how this informs our wellbeing.

The pathways acknowledge our diverse cultures and their histories and our individual and collective journeys. We all have roles in society and community and each has a responsibility to ensure we contribute in ways that help build us up to be strong, grounded and finding our place.

– Bitja (Dixon Patten Jnr), Bayila Creative