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In the spirit of reconciliation, the author and publisher acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their deep, enduring connections to land, sea, and community.
We honour their ancient and living traditions of storytelling, art, and knowledge sharing, which have enriched this continent for millennia. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Over the past few years, Infrastructure and Assets (I&A) has been building a collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks across the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
This work reflects our commitment to creating places that recognise, respect and celebrate the world’s oldest continuing cultures, and acknowledge the deep and enduring connection Aboriginal peoples have to Country, community and culture.
Art has a unique ability to bring people together. It can tell stories, create a sense of belonging and invite us to pause, reflect and connect with something beyond ourselves. For DCJ, the presence of Aboriginal artwork throughout our properties is particularly meaningful. Our buildings are places where people work, seek support, access services and, at times, experience some of the most significant moments in their lives. Creating environments that feel welcoming, respectful and connected to place matters.
The artworks featured in this collection are part of that broader story. Each work has its own story, shaped by the artist, their Country, culture, experiences and creative practice.
Throughout these pages, we introduce you to the artists behind the works and explore the stories and ideas that sit within their art. We also look at how these works have helped inspire the design and fit-out of our spaces - from colour palettes and materials to the way we create places that feel connected, considered and welcoming.
This is more than a collection of beautiful artworks. It is a celebration of culture, creativity and connection, and an opportunity to recognise the contribution Aboriginal artists make to the places in which we work and deliver services.
We hope this book encourages you to look a little closer at the artworks you encounter across DCJ - to consider the stories they tell, the Country and culture they represent, and the ways they enrich our shared spaces.
Most importantly, we hope these works continue to inspire a strong sense of pride, respect and belonging for everyone who works in, visits and uses our places.
I&A takes the unique artwork commissioned for each NSW location and extends its impact beyond feature pieces, weaving the artistic narrative throughout the environment. Drawing inspiration from the original commission, elements of the artwork are adapted and applied across a range of touchpoints, including locker decals, window graphics, upholstery fabrics, wall treatments, and other interior finishes. This approach creates a cohesive and authentic sense of place, embedding local identity and storytelling into the everyday experience of the space.
All artworks featured on these pages remain the property of their respective artists, who retain copyright and ownership of their work. Reproduction and use of these artworks in this publication have been granted with the artists’ permission. We acknowledge and respect the artists’ rights to control the use and reproduction of their work, and their ongoing connection to their cultural knowledge and heritage.
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