Monique Rennie, a proud Gomeroi artist, has created an original artwork to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act's passage through the New South Wales Parliament.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council commissioned Ms Rennie to produce a unique piece of artwork named 'Stronger with Country', celebrating the diverse landscapes and waterways of country protected by legends of the Land Rights movement in the past and now safeguarded by the Land Rights Network for the future.
"I hope healing and resilience comes through in this artwork,'' Ms Rennie said.
"The persistence that our mob have had to provide to move forward is immense. There is no underestimating how much strength is required to overcome the unrelenting barriers we face.
"Despite these challenges, we move forward. The sun at the centre of the artwork is representative of the ways in which our Land Rights Warriors action supports the thriving of our communities.
"With empowerment through land and the protection of our waterways our people, our Culture and our Country are able to thrive and we are able to pass on our legacy, our healing and our strength from one generation to the next."
Ms Rennie's family lineage includes Land Rights warriors, such as Queenie Cain, who petitioned Queen Victoria to advocate for her community and establish the Burra Bee Dee Aboriginal reserve near Coonabarabran.
Her late father, Glen Rennie, was also CEO of the Purfleet Taree Local Aboriginal Land Council, and provided for mob in myriad ways.
"I grew up with NSWALC and the importance of land rights," she said.
"From family I have learnt commitment, dedication, integrity, and resilience, so our mob endures and thrives."
NSWALC CEO Yuseph Deen is thrilled with the design, noting they "shortlisted a group of artists and Monique was a great fit for us,'' Mr Deen said.
"I particularly love the flannel flowers, which grow in the harshest conditions all across NSW, and the kangaroo tracks which represent moving forwards, towards the future.''
Rennie's artwork and logo will be featured on various products to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the ALRA.
The Act was passed in the Legislative Council on March 30, 1983, and enacted on June 10, 1983.
Later this year a Rock for Land Rights Concert, Black Parliament, and several regional events throughout NSW are scheduled to take place.
