Services Australia has chosen NAIDOC Week to launch its new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork as part of the organisation’s brand.
Commissioning it to two Indigenous artists — Jasmine Bennett, who is a staff member, and Glen Mackie — to create the artworks which represent the work, it is improving services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
Ms Bennett, a Kamilaroi and Dunghutti woman, joined Services Australia 13 years ago via its Indigenous Apprenticeships Program.
Both artists created their artworks using techniques and designs that had been passed down to them by their families.
In a statement, Services Australia said it had begun to apply elements of the artworks in its client communications, for example during National Reconciliation Week this year.
“Down the track, you’ll also see staff wearing the designs as part of our corporate wardrobe,” the Services said.
Ms Bennett said she hoped Indigenous people would see the artwork and say “oh, I know what that is, that’s part of me”.
She said her mother encouraged her to explore her Indigenous heritage.
“When we were young, she was always really involved in sharing our culture,” Ms Bennett said.
“The sun signifies the light shining upon our journey, lighting our way forward. Our progress is represented by the purple timeline flowing through the piece, connecting us from one point to the next,” she said.
