Richmond Landcare, Dunoon and District Gazette
Richmond Landcare is delighted to unveil the talented winners of the River of Reconciliation Art Award, a milestone initiative aimed at fostering reconciliation through the power of art.
Hedy Bryant, Chair of Richmond Landcare, expressed the organisation’s excitement, saying: “As the first Landcare Network with a Reconciliation Action Plan, incorporating a local artwork into this document signifies a significant step toward a closer collaboration with the First Nations people on whose lands we live and work.”
“We were thrilled to receive 22 submissions of artworks for the River of Reconciliation Art Award, with a special mention to the students of Cabbage Tree Island Public School whose contributions made our hearts sing.”
Dr Bryant added, “It was an honour and privilege to be given the task of judging the works, and I’m excited to announce the winners.”
Main prize winner: Tywana Caldwell
The main prize was awarded to Tywana Caldwell for her captivating artwork titled “Baluun – River.” Tywana describes the piece as a representation of the Richmond River, flowing for approximately 170km from the NSW and Queensland border into the Northern Rivers. Green meeting symbols illustrate the communities it flows through, symbolising reconciliation through interconnectedness.
Eucalyptus leaves and rocks in the background emphasise the importance of land, a poignant reminder of the beauty of the region.
Tywana’s work beautifully reflects the theme of working together to keep the land thriving.
Judges Hedy Bryant and Kathryn Reid, a well-known teacher and artist from Lismore, selected Tywana’s work for its multi-layered symbolism, capturing the essence of the Richmond River and its tightly knit communities.
“It perfectly aligns with the spirit of Landcare and reconciliation and fits the spirit of our Reconciliation Action Plan,” the judges said. “Tywana’s narrative showcases a profound understanding of the power and beauty of the Richmond River and the role of art in reconciliation.”
Junior prize winner: Noah Davismarlowe
Noah Davismarlowe from Cabbage Tree Island Public School secured the Junior Prize for his remarkable work titled “Sunset.”
Through his art, Noah skilfully conveyed a narrative understanding of communities flowing, connecting, and meeting along the river.
His inclusion of symbols depicting people coming together along the river, paints a vivid picture of reconciliation. The design and skilled use of art materials in Noah’s work were praised for their sophistication and detail.
The River Of Reconciliation Art Award
The River of Reconciliation Art Award was made possible by the generous support of the Aboriginal Benefits Foundation, emphasising the importance of community collaboration in projects of cultural significance. For further information, please contact Kath Kermode, Executive Officer, Richmond Landcare, eo@richmondlandcare.org.
This article appeared in the Dunoon and District Gazette, February – March 2024.
