Leigh Oates

Tasmanian Aboriginal people, my people, lived with the land, sea and rivers for thousands of years, looking after it, using it and belonging to it. Along came the white invaders and they took over the land, sea and rivers and forced the Aboriginal people from it. The white invaders would not let the Aboriginal people speak their language and made them wear white man’s clothes. They split family groups and relocated them, promising them that they would be able to return one day, but they were hollow promises. They had no respect or understanding of Aboriginal people or their ways. Painting: The netting is a representation of the suppression of the Aboriginal people. It shows that over time the Aboriginal people have slowly broken through this barrier and are finally being recognised for their original ownership and culture associated with their land. The top left hand circle shows the petroglyphs which have spiritual and cultural significance to my people. The top right hand circle represents the first sighting of invaders. Large white creatures on the horizon. The bottom left hand circle shows how the land used to be. The land produced food and shelter for my people. The hands around the centre circle represent the Aboriginal people and their connection and belonging to the land which has existed for thousands of years. The central circle shows the influence and change over time, but the road also represents the need for everyone to head in the same direction and have the same goals. The bottom right hand circle represents the need to walk together to achieve these goals. The lines through this circle are to represent that this walk together is full of highs and lows and will not always be a smooth path.