Aboriginal artwork

Ngayi, my name is Kimberly Mann, and I'm a proud Barkindji woman and artist.

This artwork was created for NSW Health to reflect the journey of palliative care and end-of-life support through a cultural lens, grounded in my own lived experience and the knowledge passed down from my family alongside the brief provided.

The piece features six connected circles, each representing a part of the palliative care journey: learning about palliative care and end of life, planning and financial support, caring for a loved one, looking after yourself as a carer, understanding symptoms and what to expect and, finally, Sorry Business, grief and healing.

These circles are joined together and surrounded by people to show that you're never alone – we walk this path together.

The eagle in the artwork is a powerful symbol of guidance and protection. It reminds us that we are always being watched over – from the earth to the sky, to the Dreamtime and back again.

The bright star represents the end of life and the beginning of adjusting to life without our loved one's physical presence – they are still with us, as the brightest star in the sky.

The wavy line represents the journey of life – from birth to death – and all the precious memories we create along the way.

The smoke in the design symbolises the spirits and ancestors who guide us home and help us through grief.

I chose a dark background to represent the night sky, the dreaming, and our connection to the stars. The burnt orange represents the strength and unity of our communities during Sorry Business and our strong connections to the land.

Olive green and turquoise reflect our freshwater and saltwater peoples.

This artwork is deeply personal to me. It holds the knowledge my father shared when we said our goodbyes to my Nanna.

Later I was honoured to care for my Dad before his own unexpected passing. Creating this piece helps me remain connected to them while I continue to honour their stories, and I hope it brings comfort, connection and support to others going through the same.

Warami,

My name is Chloe Eastwood and I’m a Proud Ngemba woman. I am part of Bindi Bindi Art alongside Tay-la Shearley a Proud Wiradjuri woman. Together we live and work on Dharug Country and it’s a privilege to share our culture and creativity through our art. We both work in emergency services where we often encounter families and community members during some of the most challenging moments of their lives as well, as patients in their final days and moments.

Spirit in Tracks is an artwork that honours the shared experience of end-of-life care and Sorry Business within community. This artwork reflects the deep cultural understanding that a person’s spirit does not walk alone, it is carried, held and remembered through the tracks left by family, carers and Country itself.

At the heart of the painting lies the Circle Spirit, representing the person at the centre of care surrounded not only by loved ones, but also by the strength of cultural traditions, memories and community values. Radiating from this centre are layers of teal, blue and white dot work, showing how care moves outward: how one life touches many, and how support expands across families and communities.

From this sacred centre, pathways stretch outward, flowing between circular meeting places. These tracks reflect the journey of planning and preparation; the important conversations, decisions, and acts of love that shape how we care. These are not just logistical steps, but deeply personal and cultural moments where we honour the person’s wishes, protect their dignity, and gather our own strength.

As the journey continues, the artwork shows the role of carers at home, whose hands guide, lift, wash and comfort. Their labour is more than practical; it is emotional, spiritual and often invisible to the wider world. The tracks here are strong and close together, showing how people come together in times of need, offering not just care but companionship and compassion.

In the outer reaches, the colours begin to darken and blend into the night sky. This marks the time of final days, when the spirit begins to separate from the body. The stars and curved paths above are symbols of the ancestors watching over, preparing to receive the spirit into the next world. This is not a moment of ending, but of return to culture, to Country, and to the Dreaming.

Finally, the story flows into the space of Sorry Business. Here, the sky is rich with ceremonial symbols, reflecting the grief that is both personal and communal. The tracks do not stop, they continue, symbolising remembrance, ongoing connection, and the way we walk with those we have lost in our hearts and stories.

Spirit in Tracks is a tribute to every person who walks this journey; those who are nearing the end; those who provide care; and those who carry memory forward. It reminds us that in culture, in kinship, and in love, no one ever walks alone.

My name is Jodie Reynolds. I’m a Proud Kamilaroi woman, born and raised on Awabakal Land. My connection to Country is through the Awabakal community here where I reside in Lake Macquarie. I am a member and Board member of Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council. I spoke with elders at Bahtabah Land Council to gain more cultural knowledge and their support to complete this artwork. I created this artwork so the Agency for Clinical Innovation could use my vision to help mob care for mob.

My artwork symbolises the deep importance of palliative care for our people—whether at home or on Country. It honours the sacred journey of life, from our first footsteps entering this world to our final steps leaving it, and the spiritual cycle that continues beyond.

At the heart of this piece is the person preparing for the afterlife and the Dreaming, surrounded by those who love and support them. It speaks to the profound connection between the living and our ancestors, who stand close, ready to guide the spirit safely home. Their presence offers peace, strength and a reminder that we are never alone.

Ancestors are shown visiting before passing, a powerful part of our belief in the spiritual journey. Our connection to nature—Country, flora, animals, and the sky—is woven throughout the background. These natural elements bring comfort and guidance during times of illness and loss.

The off-centre meeting place represents the support team. This network of people are the families, carers, medical staff and legal representatives who all unite to ensure goals have been met, strategies are offered and medication made known.

The soft colour palette and positive imagery reflect hope, dignity and the love that carries us through times of grief. It portrays the unity among Aboriginal people—how we come together across nations for Sorry Business, and how these connections shape our shared future.

Footsteps mark the journey of life, both entering and leaving this world are depicted at the bottom of the artwork. The stars at the top represent the Dreaming and the spirit world above, ever present and watching over us. The spirit to the right portrays the gentle guidance and again the idea that we are never alone.

This artwork is also a celebration of life. Dancing figures on the left-hand side. Family and friends are shown connected through ceremony, with a smoking ceremony offering healing to the living and safe passage for those who have passed. It’s a tribute to our sisters, brothers and kin—our collective strength and unbreakable bond through culture.

Thank you for listening.