To me, this year’s NAIDOC theme, Keep the Fire Burning, means carrying on the flame of our culture by passing on the stories of our elders.

I made the shape of this piece a circle to symbolize a meeting place. The centre of the circle represents my grandparents as well as Uncle and Aunties from far North Queensland. When they used to catch-up, they would all come together for a cuppa. My Nan and Aunties would have a dilly bag, each carrying a different item, whether that be tea, milk, jam, or damper. Meanwhile, my Pop and Uncles would light the fire for them before going to the pub for a beer. Hanging from the centrepiece of this artwork are mini dilly bags, representing my nan and Aunties and they sense of community these small catchups, fostered.

All these stories, we must pass onto our children, so that we can Keep the Fire Burning.