About the artwork

Yuma (hello in Ngunnawal language),

My name is LaToya and I’m a proud Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri woman - my grandmother is Ngunnawal from Yass, and my grandfather is Wiradjuri from Cowra, both small country towns Central West NSW. I was born on Wiradjuri Country in Cowra, grew up on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra and I now reside on beautiful Dharawal Country in Wollongong NSW; my connections extend across Wiradjuri, Ngunnawal and Dharawal Countries.

My art represents the strong, continuing connections and unique relationships that I have with my country, land and community, and the respect that I have for my culture and traditions. I get my inspiration from my surroundings, recreating elements of Country and telling stories through symbolic representation. I also draw inspirations from my ancestors who have walked this land before us, and who have managed and maintained this land for tens of thousands of years.

Djan yimaba (thank you in Ngunnawal language).

LaToya Kennedy

Aboriginal Artist Kalari Art

Artwork Story: Yarning Across Country

‘Yarning Across Country’ represents the Productivity Commission's (PC’s) work to share information on Priority Reform implementation under the first review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (CtG). It reflects their commitment to providing practical guidance, to support governments to improve their ways of working in the long-term interest of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This artwork is based around Closing the Gap Priority Reform Three: Transforming Government Organisations.

The PC is the Australian Government’s independent research and advisory body on economic, social and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians. 

This artwork has been created with a vision of telling a story about PC sharing knowledge, stories and vital information across government agencies, sparking change in policies and procedures to change how they work with communities all over Australia.

This artwork depicts the strong connections and support pathways across the country; and represents transition and accountability between government agencies and First Nations people. 

The large meeting place represents PC's main office in Naarm (Melbourne) on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Journey pathways connecting to the smaller pink meeting places represent government agencies and community.

The people symbols sitting on the journey pathways represent government staff and communities, and are working together to improve internal processes, initiatives and actions to create positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

The handprint, footprints and animal tracks represent our elders, ancestors, culture and country; and represent us on our journey keeping song, dance and culture alive with a spiritual connection to our ancestors and The Dreaming. 

This artwork demonstrates connections and unique relationships that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with the country and land; and respect for our traditions and culture.