FRESHWATER

SALTWATER

the artists

Christopher Henry

Kokoberrin

Christopher “Min mandel” Henry resides in Normanton and is from the Pa la Nganduw Kedew, White Dingo Clan of the Kokoberrin People. His ancestral homelands known as Pinnarinch, stretches from Mudpalangen to the mouth of the Staaten River area, encompassing the Barku, Nassau, and Lynd River regions in the central west coast of Cape York Peninsula. In the Kokoberrin language, the name “Min mandel” translates to “Grey and White Fish Hawk,” serving as his totem name. His clan’s story places are the Water Fairy and Lightning. Raised in Kowanyama and Normanton, Christopher spent his formative years learning from elders on traditional homelands. They imparted a wealth of cultural knowledge, including songs, dances, stories, crafts, and hunting techniques. Christopher has served as a Ranger for the Kowanyama Land and Natural Resource Management Office and as a Police Liaison Officer, working on country for extended periods. Today, Christopher is a highly respected Elder and community leader. As a cultural custodian, he dedicates himself to passing down stories and traditions to younger generations. Drawing on his experiences, Christopher has created music, paintings, and drawings that reflect his profound connection to country. His artworks have been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Cairns Regional Gallery and the Cairns Hilton International. In addition to his artistic endeavours, Christopher is committed to preserving his cultural heritage by teaching traditional songs and dances to youth and sharing Kokoberrin culture through his travels.

Dorothy Gabori

Kaiadilt

Dorothy was born in 1959 on Gununa Mornington Island. She belongs to the Kaiadilt Cultural group and speaks the Kayardild language. Her totem is Dibirdibi. “I am the fifth child of my Mother Sally Gabori. My Father was Pat Gabori, he was a hunter, a hard-working old fella. We used to go bush with our parents who taught us a lot about our homelands both Bentinck Island and Sweers Island.” Dorothy is a very active member artist. She works with her sister and the rest of the family in the Mornington Island Art Centre. She learns a lot about her land and country from older people. Dorothy started painting with her mother, Sally Gabori. As a child, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and started going to the Art Centre with her, watching her while she painted, and that was the biggest inspiration for young Dorothy. She learned everything about painting from her mother, keeping her legacy strong, respectfully and with love. Her art is full of inspiration and love for her father and mother’s country. She uses shapes and motives to visually represent and share stories about essential and powerful places in her country. Dorothy feels responsible for protecting her heritage from loss and uses her artistic talent to honour her land and nations, just as her parents and ancestors did. Her love for art is bonded with her passion for her land.

Dorothy Edwards

Kokoberrin

Dorothy is a skilled Kokoberrin artist from the Western Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. Her ancestral lands, known as Pinnarinch stretches from Mudpalangen to the mouth of the Staaten River area, encompassing the Barku, Nassau, and Lynd River regions in the central west coast of Cape York Peninsula. Pinnarinch is a region of stunning beauty and remoteness, rich in significant clan story sites. From a young age, Dorothy has demonstrated a passion for art, instilling the same love in her children and grandchildren. Her vibrant artworks serve as joyful reflections of both traditional and contemporary life in North Queensland. Whether capturing the essence of gathering bush tucker or spending time on country, Dorothy’s deep connection to her culture shines through her creations. In recognition of her talent and dedication, Dorothy was honoured with the prestigious Laura Art Award in 2012 for her exceptional piece “Waterloo”. Dorothy’s devotion to producing new artwork and sharing stories consistently captivates audiences.

David Bindi Hudson

Ewamian / Western Yalanji

David was born in Gimuy (Cairns), Queensland in 1962. He is a respected elder of the Ewamian cultural group, located southwest of Gimuy (Cairns), and the Western Yalanji cultural group, found northwest of Gimuy (Cairns). With a profound appreciation for cultural heritage, music, dance, and traditional customs, David has dedicated his artistry to preserve and disseminate Indigenous knowledge. His strong bond with his country and ancestors is vital in ensuring that cultural traditions remain vibrant and accessible to future generations. David began his artistic journey at a young age, initially engaging in music and performance before expanding into visual arts. His enthusiasm for culture and creativity has led him to work with various mediums, including painting, woodworking, and mixed media. This unwavering commitment to sharing his cultural heritage is central to his ongoing artistic endeavours. Currently, David focuses on wood sculpting, painting, and mixed media, exploring themes of connection to country, ancestral knowledge, and the evolution of cultural storytelling. Among his notable works are the Spirit Poles, sculptural transformations of didgeridoos that integrate traditional ochre, feathers, and intricate carvings. David’s artistic expertise has been cultivated through cultural teachings and practical experience rather than formal education. His skills have been honed over years of practice, mentorship within his community, and extensive engagement with cultural traditions. David has showcased his work at various esteemed venues, including the Mulgrave Gallery in 2024, and has participated in numerous cultural events, festivals, and community projects. Moreover, David is dedicated to mentoring emerging Indigenous artists and promoting cross-cultural understanding through workshops, performances, and exhibitions within the community.

Joelene Madar Roughsey

Lardil Langungangi / Sydney Island

Joelene is a proud Lardil woman and belongs to the Langunanji clan. She was born in Mt Isa in 1982 but grew up in Mornington Island. Her Language name is Madar meaning the stem of the water lily swaying in the breeze. Her Father is Leon Roughsey, the son of Tim Roughsey, brother of the famous artist and author Dick Roughsey. Joelene’s mother Monica, has a twin sister, they were born in Cloncurry Qld. When they were young the family moved back to Mornington Island. Joelene’s great grandmother was born on the mainland. Later she was sent to Mornington Island and was adopted by the Roughsey family, who grew her up during the Mission Times. She grew up on her father’s homeland of Ganthawu. Her younger years were spent playing with her friends and siblings out bush; learning how to find food from the land. She remembers this as a great time. She also spent a lot of time with her grandmother during her early years. Joelene’s parents were very active in the church and often travelled for Religious studies and as a result she spent some time in Townsville and Gimuy (Cairns). Joelene attended boarding school in Darwin for a couple of her high school years. Joelene is an accomplished painter and is part of the next generation of Lardil artists. Many of Joelene’s pieces have been inspired by the work of her famous grandfather Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey (1920-1985). Her work depicts traditional stories and cultural practices. Joelene is also a dancer with the Mornington Island Dancers. Joelene’s daughter was born in 2012 who she is raising girl to be strong and proud. She is determined to keep culture strong, and is passionate about sharing Lardil stories and culture with her daughter and nieces.

Kassandra Savage

Waanyi / Kurtijar

Kassandra was born in Cloncurry. She takes pride in belonging to the Waanyi and Kurtijar cultural croups and currently lives and works in Cooya Beach. With a family history that connects her to Mapoon and the Stolen Generations, Kassandra draws strength from her heritage. Her grandmother’s parents were taken to Mapoon, her great-grandmother was Waanyi, and her great-grandfather was taken from Normanton, where she still searches for her deep heritage. Since 1990, Kassandra has pursued her passion for art beginning with using acrylics on wood, lamps, canvas and making black ink drawings on paper. In 2009, she furthered her artistic journey by exploring printmaking techniques (etching, linocut, monoprint, dry point, screen-prints and lithography) and incorporating more acrylic on canvas. Her artwork celebrates her rich family roots and features themes of brolgas, plain turkeys, fish, barramundi, yabbies, and turtles, reflecting her deep connection to the land and her ancestors. As a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, Kassandra has significantly contributed to education. While living in Weipa, she completed an Art Certificate at TAFE and showcases her artwork with UMI Arts amongst other galleries.

Kel Williams

Guguu Yimithirr / Ugar-Stephen Island

Kel was born in 1956 in Gimuy (Cairns). He is a distinguished artist, with his Clan group being Guguu Yimithirr. His totem is the Black-Faced Kangaroo. During his childhood, he found great joy in listening to the narratives shared by his mother and grandmother about Cape York and the ancient stories recounted by his grandfather about Ugar. He commenced learning the art of carving at the age of 10 from his parental grandfather from Thursday Island, who wood-carved. His grandfather specialised in carving fish, but Kel preferred carving Aboriginal figures and Australian native animals. After completing his apprenticeship in New Zealand in the mid-to-late 1970s, Kel returned to Australia and commenced working in the boat-building industry in Gimuy (Cairns) and Innisfail. In 1993, he gave up his full-time employment and started his own business as a professional woodwork artist. Kel started by carving native birds and animals and branched out into making boomerangs and didgeridoos. Onto the boomerangs and didgeridoos, he developed and carved intricate designs onto contemporary Aboriginal art. In 2004, Kel completed Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. This certificate allowed him to teach wood carving in many remote Aboriginal and Island communities. He taught at the New Mapoon Arts Centre in 2008, the Cultural Centre at Coen in 2009, and back in New Mapoon in March 2010. Kel’s carving have been exhibited in many group and touring exhibitions, including Art Fairs across Australia.

Lisa Michl Ko-manggén

Kokoberrin

“I am Ko-manggén. Pa la Nganduw Kedew (White Dingo Clan) of the Kokoberrin People, Staaten River, Cape York”. Lisa’s ancestral homelands, known as Pinnarinch, stretch from Mudpalangen to the mouth of the Staaten River area, encompassing the Barku, Nassau, and Lynd River regions in the central west coast of Cape York Peninsula.
The unique and remote landscape of Pinnarinch is home to several significant creation sites, including Ko-manggén, which translates to catfish in the Kokoberrin language. Lisa received her totem name from her great-grandfather, the most senior elder and lore keeper of the Kokoberrin community.
Lisa began her involvement with UMI Arts two decades ago and is recognised as one of the founding Board Members. With the guidance of Senior Elders who were instrumental in establishing the organisation, she remains dedicated to preserving their vision within its framework. Throughout her tenure at UMI Arts, Lisa has undertaken various roles, including Company Secretary, Public Officer, Business and Finance Manager, and Artistic Director for the past five years.
Lisa has served as a respected member of numerous esteemed panels, such as the National Indigenous Art Reference Group (NIAG), the National Indigenous Arts Code Advisory Panel (NIACA), the Queensland Indigenous Arts Export Agency (QIAMEA), the Cairns Regional Council Public Art Advisory Panel, the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair Indigenous Reference Panel, UMI Arts and Kokoberrin Aboriginal Corporation.
Over the past 26 years, Lisa has exhibited her artwork in 17 solo exhibitions at prominent commercial galleries and over 80 group exhibitions nationally and internationally, including in Europe, the United States, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean, proudly representing Australia’s First Nations peoples. Through her remarkable artworks, Lisa interprets and conveys the cultural lifestyle, language, stories and lore of her Kokoberrin people, showcasing her heritage and artistic vision. Lisa Michl Ko-manggén was awarded the First Nations Artist Prize at the 2025 Blacktown City Art Prize in Sydney, and her artwork “Sour Yam” was also selected as a finalist in the 2025 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.

Michael Anning

Yidinji / Dulgu-barra

Michael finds deep inspiration in the long history of Yidinji culture. He specializes in creating traditional shields and firemakers that carry the spirit of his ancestors. He became the first Indigenous artist to refresh and bring new life to these ancient crafts in 1989. His work honors the skills and stories passed down through generations. Many of his designs are inspired by the original methods and symbols used by Yidinji people for ceremonies, protection, and storytelling. His shields and firemakers are more than just art; they are symbols of identity and cultural pride. They often feature earth tone made from natural ochres. Michael uses up to seven different shades of ochre, carefully chosen from the lands of Yidinji country. These ancient pigments come from the earth itself. They are rich in history and hold special meaning for his community. Each color is selected to represent different aspects of their beliefs and environment. Michael is skilled at blending these colors into detailed designs. His intricate patterns show totemic symbols and stories that tell of the landscape, animals, and ancestral spirits. These designs are not just decorative; they are powerful symbols that connect past and present. His work helps keep Yidinji traditions alive, showing how they continue to grow and adapt today. His artworks are highly valued in both public museums and private collections across Australia. People appreciate his ability to honor tradition while creating striking new designs. His shields are displayed in cultural centers, where they help others understand Yidinji heritage. Private collectors admire his works for their beauty and cultural meaning. His art offers a bridge between old stories and today’s world, keeping the ancient Yidinji ways relevant and respected. His work celebrates continuity and the resilience of his people. Each piece adds to the ongoing story of Yidinji life and history. His passion and skill ensure that the important traditions remain strong for future generations to see and learn from.

Michelle Yeatman

Gunggandji

Michelle “Mickey” is a highly regarded contemporary ceramic artist from the Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct. Born and raised in the Yarrabah community, Michelle’s work is deeply connected to her cultural heritage and the natural beauty of the environment that surrounds her. She began her journey in ceramics in 1982, starting as an apprentice in the Yarrabah pottery studio, where she learned to mix raw clay. However, it wasn’t long before she found her true passion in hand-building pots. Michelle’s work is heavily inspired by the shoreline, beach, and water of Yarrabah. She draws on these natural elements to create unique textures and designs that evoke the beauty of her surroundings. Her pieces are often characterised by intricate surface treatments, reflecting the patterns and rhythms of the coastal landscape. This connection to her environment gives her ceramics a distinct sense of place, grounding them in the rich traditions of her community. Influenced by the renowned Indigenous artist Dr Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher James AO, Michelle has developed a unique style that combines traditional forms with contemporary design. Her work in earthenware is recognised for its bold textures and organic forms, distinguishing her in the field of ceramics. While ceramics is her primary medium, Michelle is also an accomplished painter, screen printer and printmaker, demonstrating her versatility and deep creative spirit. Michelle’s art not only reflects her personal connection to her land and culture but also serves as a contemporary expression of the rich artistic traditions of Yarrabah. Through her work, she continues to inspire and contribute to the preservation and evolution of Indigenous art in Australia.

Priscilla Major

Kokoberra

Priscilla, known by her bush name Ma Cheltrulalie, is a proud Kokoberra woman and cultural custodian of the Mitchell River region of Cape York. Her ancestral lands span the Kowanyama region, where her people are the traditional owners, and her bloodline extends to the surrounding country of Normanton. Born at Dunbar Station, a cattle station near Kowanyama, Priscilla belongs to the Lightning, Sour Yam, and Shark clan groups, with the Shark as her spiritual totem symbolising strength, instinct, and connection to the sea. A fluent speaker of her language, Kokoberra, and neighbouring groups, Priscilla is deeply grounded in ancestral knowledge, including traditional customs, ceremonies, and the experience of living, hunting and understanding ancestral connection to path ngatherruw, our land. A profound relationship to ngatherruw, land shapes her voice and vision, one that informs her artistic expression and community leadership. Her creative and cultural contributions have been featured in significant events such as the Story Place Exhibition in Brisbane, the Dreaming Festival on the Sunshine Coast, and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF). Each appearance reflects her commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture through art, performance, and storytelling. Since becoming a Director of UMI Arts in 2005, Priscilla has shared her knowledge to empower younger generations. Her work is a call to remember, reconnect, and honour the old ways, ensuring that language, law/lore continue to inspire and guide the future. Ma Cheltrualie is the name founder of Umi’s Big Talk One Fire.

Robert Tommy Pau

Meriam / Erub Samsep

Tommy was born in Townsville in 1967. He was raised in the Torres Strait and the Australian mainland, and his artworks reflect his cultural experience and urban lifestyle. His involvement in the arts and culture has been a lifelong experience, learning cultural practices from his father to keep culture strong. Tommy speaks Torres Strait Creole. His family and cultural influence were focused on conservative cultural values called Pasin. Throughout his artistic career he has been fascinated by comic hyper realism and religious art. While completing a Certificate in Art at the Cairns TAFE, Pau developed a strong network within the arts industry engaging with reputable mentors and colleagues. His print works are held in the Art and Object collection at AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) Canberra and the Museum and Art Gallery of the North Territory (MAGNT). His artwork uses symbolism relevant to the subject. He is keen to explain his artistic expression as a contemporary urban artist and enjoys mixing his views on political movements with traditional storytelling. Pau has been producing prints and paintings as part of a series titled ‘Black wars of Torres Strait’ that details European contact with islanders since 1606.

Sandra Ase

Taepathiggi

Sandra is a proud and respected member of the Taepathiggi clan, a community with deep roots in the land. She was born in the beautiful and scenic town of Townsville, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Her background is rich with the traditions and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her culture plays a big role in her life and work. The crocodile is her sacred totem, a symbol that holds deep meaning. It represents strength, protection, and her connection to her ancestors and the land. For her, the totem is more than just an animal; it’s a spiritual guide and an important part of her cultural identity. Sixteen years ago, Sandra’s life changed forever when she lost her mother. Her mother was a source of strength and wisdom. Her passing was heartbreaking, but it also sparked Sandra’s love for art. Art became her way to heal and honour her roots. Through her paintings, she captures the spirit of her people and their land. Sandra’s artwork is full of vibrant colours and detailed scenes. Each piece tells a story from the Mapoon people, a community with its own rich history. Her paintings show how her people live close to the land and care for it. She depicts the places they call home, like sacred sites and common gathering spots. The artworks are alive with movement and meaning. To her, every brushstroke helps preserve her cultural heritage and traditional ways of life. Her work also features totems. These are symbols that connect her people to their ancestors and protect them. The totems act like guardians, watching over her community and reminding younger generations of their history. Her paintings serve as a way to keep traditions alive, especially for children. She believes her art holds the power to pass on her people’s identity from one generation to the next. She hopes her work inspires others to learn about her heritage and respect the land that sustains her people. Her paintings are more than beautiful pictures; they are stories shaped by her history, beliefs, and feelings. Her art is her voice, a way to share her story with the world and honour her ancestors’ legacy.

Shenane Jago

Kurtijar

Shenane is a proud Kurtijar woman, living and working in Normanton, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland. Shenane has been creating arts for over ten years, and in 2022 she launched her first solo exhibition “My Country of the Norgin” at UMI Arts Gallery in Gimuy (Cairns), a mark of graduation of UMI Arts’ Exhibition Ready program. Shenane learned from other local artists and elders, especially Lydia Parry, about Indigenous art and pottery. She has also worked closely with Deb Eldermire (The Pottery Place, Cairns) to learn more about building sculptural ceramics and using advanced firing techniques. Shenane has incorporated into her work her understanding of the importance of Indigenous art and its role in storytelling and the preservation of culture. Shenane has become a leader in the arts, mentoring and developing other artists in the lower Gulf region, young and old. She has also continued to work on her own art practice, pushing her ceramics skills further and teaching herself to paint. My Country of the Norgin is the culmination of several years of work by Shenane, in both Normanton and Cairns; the result is an evocative collection of sculptural ceramics in the shapes and colours of her home country. Each piece is unique, and celebrates the landcape she is surrounded by. “I wish to give people a taste of the country in the Gulf where I am from and grew up. My art is inspired by the environment, colours, and animals of my country. Food sources are respected and treated with pride, and as part of country. My country is beautiful, wild and respected.”

Shane Gibson

Guugu Yimithirr / Thuubii, Bindhi and Bulgun warra

Shane, also known as Aka Dhuga, was born in Gimuy (Cairns) in 1973. He is a local artist from Hopevale (Guumba) and a member of the Bulgun, Thuubi, Dhaarrba, and Bindhi clans of the Guugu Yimithirr nation. Growing up in his traditional homeland, Shane received the name Dhuga from his great-grandfather Ngamu-dhuga, passed down through his grandmother, Nancy Bowen. His totems include Ngamu (dingo), Mirrki (owl), and Gaalaya (centipede). After finishing school, Shane’s first job was at the Cape Flattery Silica mines. After eight years, he moved back to Hopevale, where he served as a police sergeant for five years. He then relocated to Cooktown to work as a Police Liaison Officer. During his time there, he began experimenting with acrylics in his spare time. Shane’s cousin, Harold Bowen, significantly influenced him, encouraging him to express his stories through painting. He draws his greatest inspiration from telling stories about fish and sea animals. Although Shane is an accomplished musician and didgeridoo player, he has only been painting for a few years. He quickly gained recognition as a respected artist, sharing his own story and that of his family, focused on the local landscape and ancestral memories. Shane is passionate about telling his stories and passing them on to his children and the next generation. As a loving father of two daughters, he hopes to instil in them a love for painting that he has cherished.

Wanda Gibson

Guugu Yimithirr / Nugal Warra

Wanda, born in 1946 in Woorabinda, is a proud member of the Nugal Warra clan group. A fluent speaker of Guugu Yimithirr, she embodies her heritage through her totems: Thuka (Goanna) on her father’s side and Waandarr (White Cockatoo) on her mother’s side. Wanda is an important elder within the Nugal Warra clan, showcasing her deep connection to her culture. During World War II, Wanda’s family was relocated from Cape Bedford and sent at Woorabinda Settlement due to the Australian government’s perception of Lutheran Missions in Cape York as a national security threat. However, following the war, they returned to a new settlement in Hope Valley, now known as Hopevale. Wanda’s artistic journey is rooted in a rich family legacy. Her ancestors were all artists, with her father skilled in crafting fish nets and building boats, while her mother and aunts excelled in weaving. In 2001, Wanda joined the women at the culture center, igniting her passion for art, inspired by her family’s story and traditions. As a dedicated member of the art centre’s Gamba group, composed of senior women, Wanda contributes to preserving and celebrating traditional Guugu Yimithirr Warra culture. The artworks produced by the Gamba group are significant, encompassing both contemporary and historical narratives. The women possess invaluable cultural knowledge concerning family kinship systems, sacred sites, esoteric characters, and totems. They are deeply committed to documenting language and traditional stories, ensuring this cultural heritage is passed on to future generations. Wanda has established herself as one of the longest-practicing artists at the art centre. She skillfully paints on linen canvas using acrylics and is a talented weaver and master dilly bag maker. Additionally, she creates unique jewellery and designs textiles, further enriching her cultural expression. Wanda completed a Certificate IV in Visual Arts at TAFE to enhance her skills, demonstrating her dedication to her craft and commitment to continuing her artistic journey.

Edward Williams

Guugu Yimithirr / Thuppi Warra

Edward was born in Rockhampton and is a member of the Thuppi Warra Clan Group. He resides and is professionally engaged in Hopevale as one of the artist members of the Hopevale Arts Centre. Although he began his artistic journey in adulthood, he participated in various cultural and traditional activities within his community during his formative years. The individuals who have profoundly inspired him are his two uncles, who served as significant role models during his childhood. Edward’s artwork reflects his familial heritage, cultural identity, and deep connection to the land and sea, alongside narratives shared by family members and elders who imparted their knowledge and experiences during his upbringing. He actively participates in workshops focusing on textile design and visual arts at the Hopevale Arts Centre. Edward predominantly works with acrylics on canvas. This exhibition marks Edward’s inaugural display of his paintings.

Wayne Connolly

Kuku Yalanji / Kuku Taipan

Wayne is an emerging Indigenous artist from Yarrabah, Queensland. His artistic practice is heavily influenced by his rich cultural heritage and family history, which spans multiple Indigenous groups and regions. His paternal grandmother, Bessie Yeatman, was Kuku Yalanji and Kuku Taipan from Wujul Wujal and Maryvale. She married Stanley Connolly. Wayne’s paternal grandfather, Claude Ponto, came from Kowanyama to Ngukurr (Roper River). Claude was a renowned tracker whose exceptional skills led him to be taken by the police from the Mitchell River to Victoria to assist in tracking the notorious bushranger Ned Kelly. One of Claude’s hand-carved and polished trophy shells, showcasing his remarkable legacy, is now housed in the National Museum of Australia. Wayne’s family history is also marked by stories of resilience and survival. His grandmother was forcibly taken as part of the Stolen Generation, a tragic chapter in Australian history. His mother, Valmai Connolly, belongs to the Gumbaynggirr language group of New South Wales. His ancestors evaded the heartlessness of colonization by fleeing from Nambucca to Wallaga Lake Aboriginal Mission. Wayne’s parents met in Sydney while his mother was studying nursing and eventually settled in Yarrabah, where they raised their five children. Wayne’s father, Wayne Connolly Sr. was a priest at the Saint Albans Anglican Church, which meant the family moved frequently during his childhood. These experiences, along with his love for family and regular travels to visit relatives across the country, fostered in Wayne a deep appreciation for his cultural heritage and the natural world. Wayne primarily focuses on painting animals, fish, and the natural landscapes vital to his life. His work captures the essence of the land and sea surrounding Yarrabah and the stories shared by the community’s elders. Often, Wayne’s art reflects experiences of traditional living, including hunting, fishing, and gathering bush food—activities that continue to play an important role in his everyday life. His work is not only a personal exploration of his cultural identity but also serves as a celebration of the beauty and richness of Yarrabah’s natural environment.

Wanjibung Edwards

Kokoberrin

“I am Ma Wanjibung. Pa la Nganduw Kedew, Dingo Clan of the Kokoberrin People, Staaten River, Cape York. I acknowledge my thangk, ancestors who lived for warrék, hundreds of thousands of years evolving under the starlight of the patháliy ngamáyvrr with their place, with their walngk, feelings, with their story, pínganvm, with their lore/law, bora, yirral. I acknowledge my thangk buried on country at Pinnarinch, Inkerman Station in Cape York.” Wanjibung is an established visual artist and an active advocate for Indigenous people, especially those of the Central Western Cape York Region. In addition to holding many professional positions, Wanjibung has worked as the Director of Opposition Research of the Give Us a Go Campaign, founded the Kowanyama Baby Festival, and Wild Barra Co. Wanjibung holds a Master of Philosophy in Public Health (University of Sydney) and is undertaking a Phd in Philosophy at the University of Queensland, examining Kokoberrin Pa Wanggenvng pa chalali approaches to declairing and defending pa la nganthenduw ngatherruw yunggal yinggay, ngerr wur kung. Wanjibung is an important Kokoberrin leader and artist for the Cape York region. His artwork is about his homeland, its creation, and its story. Being an artist is part of his culture. His art is born in the country. It is part of the country. Wanjibung’s works are held in international collections, including the NSW Art Gallery, the ANU Art Collection, the Cairns Regional Art Gallery Collection, and many private institutions. “I create art just like my forefathers did and continue to keep it alive. Our cultural objects are an intricate genealogical lineage that connects to chants, dance, language, land, and philosophy. Kokoberrin art is part of the Cape York cultural management system. It’s our continued responsibility to protect and look after the land as we would look after ourselves.”

Sandra Scott

Sandy lives and works in Kuranda, a well-known location that attracts many visitors for its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty. She is proud to be part of the Bundjalung and Guggu Yimithirr Clan groups. These connections are important to her and influence much of her artwork. From a young age, Sandy was drawn to art. She would spend hours drawing, painting, and crafting as a child. Her early interest in art helped her develop a deep love for creative expression. Over the years, she found ways to channel her talents into many different forms of art and craft. After her children moved out of home, Sandy decided to focus fully on her art. This gave her the chance to spend the past 15 years creating and honing her skills. During this time, she dedicated herself to developing her talents and exploring new techniques. Creating art became her way to share her stories, culture, and personal feelings. Her work often reflects her cultural background, with symbols and styles inspired by her Clan groups. Sandy practices many types of art. She is skilled in weaving traditional items like mats and baskets, using natural fibers with intricate patterns. Her leatherwork includes making bags, jewellery, and other accessories from ethically sourced hides. Painting is another passion, where she often uses bold colours and strong lines. To develop her skills further, Sandy has completed fashion courses. These courses helped her learn how to design and produce clothing that combines her artistic talents with practical fashion ideas. Her dedication to learning new techniques pushes her to grow as an artist. She is always looking for better ways to express herself and bring her ideas to life. Her art starts conversations and helps others understand her culture.

Jahzara Michl

Kokoberrin

“Pa la Nganduw Kedew, I am Min mandel, Kedevnt of the White Dingo clan of the Kokoberrin People, Staaten River, Cape York”. Jahzara was born in 2010, and her love for art began to flourish at a young age. Surrounded by a family of artists, she draws inspiration from her mother, Lisa Michl Ko-manggén, a renowned artist with a global following. Jahzara also has roots in Jamaica, adding to the richness of her diverse heritage, which has greatly influenced her artistic journey. Her ancestral homelands, known as Pinnarinch, stretch from Mudpalangen to the mouth of the Staaten River, encompassing the areas between and slightly beyond the Barku, Nassau, and east to Lynd River in the central west coast of Cape York Peninsula. Jahzara’s totems were passed down from her great-grandfather Min mandel (Grey and White Fish Hawk) and Kedevnt (Jelly Fish). Her sixth-generation inheritance is the saltwater crocodile passed on by his Kokoberra grandmother, Priscilla Major, Ma Cheltrulalie. Today, the Kokoberrin people reside predominantly in Kowanyama, Normanton, and other communities in northern Queensland, where they work diligently to uphold and preserve their cultural traditions through various cultural maintenance activities. In the past four years, Jahzara has showcased her artwork, displaying her exceptional talent and unwavering passion. Alongside her artistic endeavors, she enjoys creating craftworks, playing the double bass and electric bass, and lending her voice to the Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir and her school choir. Jahzara’s dedication to her art and culture shines through in all aspects of her life, making her a remarkable young talent to watch.

Yaromir Michl

Kokoberrin

“Pa la Nganduw Kedew, I am Kedew, Mi waler of the White Dingo Clan of the Kokoberrin People, Staaten River, Cape York”. Yaromir developed a passion for art at a young age. Growing up in a family of artists, he found inspiration from his mother, Lisa Michl Ko-manggén, a renowned artist with a global following. On his father’s side, Yaromir has ties to Jamaica in the Caribbean, adding to his diverse heritage that has greatly influenced his artistic journey. His ancestral homelands, known as Pinnarinch, stretch from Mudpalangen to the mouth of the Staaten River area, encompassing the Barku, Nassau, and Lynd River regions in the central west coast of Cape York Peninsula. Yaromir’s totems, passed down from his great-grandfather, include a white Dingo, Silver Seagull, and glistening ocean water. His sixth-generation inheritance is the saltwater crocodile passed on by his Kokoberra grandmother, Priscilla Major, Ma Cheltrulalie. Today, the Kokoberrin people mainly reside in Kowanyama, Normanton, and other communities in northern Queensland, where they work diligently to uphold and preserve their cultural traditions through various cultural maintenance activities. Over the past three years, Yaromir has demonstrated his love for art by leading his school’s NAIDOC week mural projects. In 2024, he was awarded Artist of the Year at his school, solidifying his dedication and talent.