By Bianca Vitols
Young Indigenous artists from across North Queensland have been recognised for their outstanding efforts in Northern Queensland Primary Health Network’s (NQPHN’s) inaugural Indigenous Youth Art Competition.
The competition — based on the theme of ‘health care and well-being in our communities’ — saw some inspirational artwork submitted by young and upcoming local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists between the ages of 13–21 years.
There were a range of submissions from gifted artists, resulting in three first place winners.
Jasmine Grogan from Mareeba and Wudarabin Snider from Cooktown took out first place in the Aboriginal artwork category (pictured).
Jasmine, 17, said her painting told the story of how the turtles swim through the ocean to reach their remembered destination and lay eggs.
“My grandma is my mentor for my paintings,” Jasmine said.
“Just like the turtles do, we need to look after our families.”
Wudarabin, 13, called her artwork The wellbeing of my culture, and said it told the story of her people hunting in the ocean.
“My painting shows how our people hunt to gather food for our family to ensure good health and well-being,” Wudarabin said.
“My country is Kuku Yalanji and my artwork shows Aboriginal artefacts that keep us healthy within our mind, spirit and culture.”
Watch Wudarabin’s video submission here.
Mareeba State High School student, Danae Hastie took out second place using symbols in her painting to represent her family.
She said the two larger symbols are her great grandparents Boy Paddy and Girl Rene, who are connected to the Stolen Generation, herself, and other family members.
“The Stolen Generation affected my family story and the connections between family members,” Danae said.
“My painting shows how the connections are now stronger and working towards building strong, healthy indigenous families so the next generation are able to speak up and be confident.”
Jalene Gordon from Innisfail, taking third place, said the tree in her artwork represented strong communities through family ties.
“The two children at the bottom of the painting signify the future generations to come, and the people up in the tree are their family,” Jalene said.
“Having a strong healthy family ensures the well-being in our community.”
Shanaye Bevan from Cooktown secured first place in the Torres Strait Islander artwork category, with her painting portraying the health and well-being of Indigenous people and their families.
The 17-year-old said her artwork featured illustrations of what she saw as important to Indigenous health.
“My painting depicts a family living off the land,” Shanaye said.
“Particularly the coast from my Islander background, where turtle, fish and squid are our traditional foods that keep us healthy.”
Watch Shanaye’s video submission here.
Euwanae Mairu from Herberton called his painting Island Mangi which means man from the island. He said it captured his identity of a strong, fit, independent young man from Badu Island in the Torres Strait.
In third place, Jai-Lahni Clumpoint from Townsville called her painting Memory Island because she has so many memories with her family and friends, and it puts her in a good mood all day.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer John Gregg said the initiative, created by the NQPHN Board, was an excellent opportunity to recognise young, talented Indigenous artists across North Queensland.
“NQPHN is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our region,” Mr Gregg said.
“The competition is part of NQPHN’s commitment to support Indigenous youth, and a meaningful pathway towards inclusion of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
– Bianca Vitols us with Northern Queenslan Primary Health Network
