Creating a lasting connection

Danny’s piece, Possum Dreaming, is a heartfelt tribute to caring for Country and respecting the land we live on. The artwork wraps the battery in a story of environmental stewardship and cultural connection. It’s more than just a beautiful design, it’s a reminder of the deep wisdom and resilience embedded in Aboriginal culture.  

Family Values explores the concept that Caring for Country is the responsibility of everyone. We pass this knowledge to our children through our stories.

Karen’s artwork explores the relationships between people, place, emotions and spirituality. Her passion for art and the creative process is to celebrate her unique and proud connections to her culture and encourage personal and collective journeys of healing. 

Of her work Aunty Jenny said: "Handprints, footprints, animal prints. They tell a story of the eldest culture. Indigenous people coming together gathering to share stories of hunting and taking care of country. 

Indigenous roots are deeply etched on rocks in caves, footprints and animal prints set deeply in the landscape our country.

Which will continue to tell our stories of the indigenous people and culture."

The painting captures the striking geography and strong community connection of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven regions.  

The artwork features the Birri Birri (whale) totem representing Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong and the Black Cockatoo – the totem for the Shoalhaven. The colours represent the Wodi Wodi people of Dharawal Nation a saltwater people living on the East Coast and the ocean where food is still gathered to this day.

Of his artwork, Daren said: “There are many different sea turtles around our country and the stingray has its own significance, strength and story. I was given this totem to paint by one of my Elders.  

He taught me to learn from the life cycles and behaviours of these beautiful creatures and would highlight the many powerful lessons that they have to share.  

The turtles and stingrays painted here have been used to symbolise courage, determination, strength, peace and harmony as we travel and press through life’s journey. I am proud to share and pass on this knowledge.” 

Place of meeting and ceremony. 

As a child, Dashanti Carr learned about Country through her mother’s stories and her own art. Today, her artwork proudly wraps the East Bowral community battery, an accomplishment that fills Dashanti and her family’s hearts with pride.  

Christina Huynh has brought her vibrant storytelling to life across three community batteries in Cabramatta.  

Inspired by her Vietnamese heritage and the spirit of Cabramatta, the series features flowing goldfish and blooming peonies. Symbols of good energy, harmony and reflection, the artwork invites passers-by to pause and feel part of something bigger.   

Gunnamamaldan means “painted all over” in Gundungurra language. Kelsie was inspired by a conversation with her father, Uncle David. The design shows a waterhole, meeting places, highpoints and pathways - all leading to water. It also includes dot-work that reflects bottlebrush pollen, which once grew widely in Blaxland. Two black cockatoos fly across the artwork. They represent protection and change and honour her father’s moiety.