NAIDOC Week Artwork Release
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has partnered with local indigenous artist, Toshandai Fejo, to develop artwork that will be used across Council’s branding, including signage, Council uniforms and for key events such as NAIDOC Week.
As part of Council’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2025, Council’s vision for reconciliation is where Cassowary Coast Regional Council understands and respects the histories and the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With integrity and courage guiding us, we walk together with pride and a sense of belonging to One Coast, Cassowary Coast.
Ms Fejo’s artwork will be sensitively incorporated into Council’s current branding. This artwork represents Council’s acknowledgement and respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as we continue our shared journey to build relationships to develop respect, create opportunities and close the gap, through acknowledging and sharing experiences for an inclusive community connected to Culture and Country..
Local traditional artist, Ms Toshandai Fejo said the artwork is visual storytelling. For generations, my people have been known for passing on knowledge through song lines and imagery.
“It is an honour to express my connection through art and the process makes me proud to be Aboriginal.
“As a contemporary aboriginal artist, my stories will always try to capture both wisdom and magic
“This piece, Heal Country, calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction,” said Ms Fejo.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Division Three Councillor Trudy Tschui said Council wants to strengthen the connection to our country and showcase our region’s unique culture.
“I’m proud to be a part of a region that represents a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“As a Council, we strive to continuously learn from our First Nations community members and create opportunities that close the gap and bring a sense of belonging,” said Councillor Tschui.
During NAIDOC Week the full artwork will be featured in the Innisfail Shire Hall window, as well as on social media and on other Council collateral.
With integrity and courage guiding us, we walk together with pride to One Coast, Cassowary Coast.
This project is funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cassowary Coast Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Image Caption: Toshandai Fejo with Heal Country Artwork