Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent

Proud Bundjalung, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr artist Danielle Gorogo doesn’t just have one canvas displaying her beautiful artwork, she has several.

Only in this instance, her canvases are the stunning uniforms Clarence Regional Library staff are proudly wearing.

Entitled ‘Islands of Breimba’, Ms Gorogo said her artwork is about the mighty Clarence River (Breimba, meaning Big River in Bundjalung), the river systems, major tributaries and islands, and how rivers connect, people and places, and how they inspire and sustain diverse cultural beliefs, values and ways of life.

It is also a reflection of her heritage and country and shares the story of the pathway the spirit ancestors took from the mountains to the ocean, and the many islands which were created during their journey.

Ms Gorogo’s eye-catching entry was chosen from an art and design competition hosted by the library to promote their Indigenous resources collection and was originally due to be launched as a celebration during Naidoc Week in 2020 until the Covid-19 pandemic forced its postponement.

The uniforms were officially launched late last year.

As she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Clarence Regional Library, the talented artist said she felt extremely proud to see staff wearing their new uniforms which display her exquisite design.

“It was really overwhelming,” Ms Gorogo said as she recalled seeing staff wearing their uniforms for the first time.

“I felt so proud and so happy going to the library in Grafton that day, it was wonderful.

“There have been so many positive comments received about the uniforms and I’m so grateful to the library for this amazing opportunity.”

Ms Gorogo also extended a special thank you to former senior library officer Jane Kries and the current staff for their vision and support.

“I was so thrilled and honoured,” she said.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 12 January 2022.