A new artwork by Birriah artist Ken Dodd has been unveiled at Collinsville Village in Central Queensland, sharing stories of Country, culture and connection with residents, workers and visitors.
The Acknowledgement of Country artwork, Gabula Munda Bidjiri (Carpet Snake Dreaming), was launched last Friday during an event featuring a cultural immersion experience on Country, Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and cultural performances led by Birriah Directors and community representatives.
Mr Dodd's work tells the story of the ancient Birri Nahni lands and Nananu peoples and the journey of Gabula Mandu, the Rainbow Serpent, whose travels across Country created rivers, mountain ranges and sacred places throughout the region.
It also carries the message Nudja Narra, meaning Know, Understand, Remember Always, reflecting connections between people, Country, lore and totems and the responsibility to care for land across generations.
Mr Dodd said the work was about maintaining cultural knowledge and connection for future generations.
"For me, as an artist, keeping our stories going through our artwork and our language, it brings back that knowing and connection to country and belonging of Country for our future generations," he said.
"To have my work sitting here on country with Sodexo, it means a lot, my children and my grandchildren will one day see the legacy of their grandfather.
"I hope this painting connects with everybody who works here and they see the uniqueness and diversity of our people, even in modern age today in 2026, that we are still sharing, caring people, and we still stand strong in our cultural identity and connection to our Country - but also that we are open to visitors on our land, for them to enjoy their stay and remember and acknowledge the ancient history of this Country of Birriah."
Mr Dodd used acrylics on canvas and specialised brushes to create motifs representing mountains and rivers, lines for countries and dots symbolising life and spirit within the water.
Animals including the emu, kangaroo and echidna represent Birriah totems, skin groups, belonging and marriage systems.
Sodexo Australia Director of Indigenous Affairs, Barbara Sheehy, said the artwork would provide a visible reminder of Birriah culture while supporting cultural understanding.
"Together in consultation and many dialogues with Sodexo Australia and our Indigenous Affairs team, this artwork elevates the voice and stories of the Birriah People through a powerful visual representation of Country and culture," Ms Sheehy said.
"It will help our workforce, residents and visitors learn about the deep ancestral connections that exist in this region while reinforcing our commitment to advancing reconciliation through meaningful action."
The signage is located at the Collinsville Village administration and dining room and forms part of Sodexo Australia's commitments under its 2025-2028 Reconciliation Action Plan.
Sodexo Australia Managing Director, Keith Weston, said the project reflected the importance of working with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"When we listen to local communities and respect the knowledge and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we create stronger outcomes for everyone," Mr Weston said.
"This artwork is a symbol of partnership, respect and our shared commitment to building a more reconciled future."
