In Pictures: ‘Many nations, one mob'
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Aunty Kathleen Hopkins and Aunty Ada Simpson, Cherbourg: 'We live for the church and the power of God.' One of the women grew up in the dormitory. The other was raised as a camp kid. But together, they've shared a lifetime of laughter right here on these very church steps. Through sorrow and survival, joy and justice, these women have leaned on each other and their faith. The church has been their anchor: a place of resilience, strength, and unwavering community. They say it was God who helped them survive and thrive. Prayer was their medicine. Service, their offering. And today, their story is a testament to a spirit that could never be broken. 'Faith is our foundation. The church has always been our guiding light shaping our journey, keeping our spirits strong.'
Zakirrah, Normanton: standing on the cracked earth of Normanton, Queensland, may be the youngest person to deliver official Welcome to Country speeches in Australia. A Traditional Owner of Normanton, she began this important role at just seven and is now nine years old. Welcome to Country is an ancient tradition, once practised when travelling between Nations. Visitors would signal at the border with smoke and wait for warriors to escort them to the Elders. The Elders, through ceremony, sought the ancestors' blessing, and once welcomed, the entire Nation took responsibility for the visitor's care and safety. It was also a way for Nations to welcome and acknowledge each other's traditional lands marking rites of passage, exchanging, bartering, celebrating, and welcoming. Through ceremony, these shared practices strengthened the connections between people and reinforced respect for the land and its custodians. Today, this practice continues as a sign of respect for the land, its Traditional Custodians, and the enduring connection First Nations peoples have to Country. It acknowledges the ancestors and reinforces the responsibility of communities to care for one another and their shared environment.
Mayor Bruce Simpson – Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council (CASC): Mayor Simpson's enthusiastic participation in the All Shades Project was to showcase his leadership achievements through the lens of art. His request for a grand piano and theatre setting was to showcase that he initially wanted to become the first Aboriginal concert pianist. He is from the strength of great leaders of the Wakka Wakka, Wangan and Koa tribes.
Brayden, Delta Downs: Australia's First Indigenous-Owned Cattle Station: . In 1982, it became Australia's first Indigenous-owned and operated cattle station, returning to the care of the Kurtijar people. Since then, it has flourished as a proud testament to the vision, resilience, and dedication of its community. Brayden said, 'I wanted to be photographed here because this place represents the future we've built for ourselves. Delta Downs is more than a cattle station – it's a living example of what we can achieve when we work together and care for Country. Every day here is about growth, connection, and pride in who we are.'
Rubber dingy shot. 'The ocean is our playground, our highway, and our home. We wanted to be photographed here on Kirriri [Hammond Island] because the water is where we belong. Out here, we make our own boats, find our own adventures, and move the way our ancestors did, always connected to the sea. Life on the island is about freedom, fun, and knowing that the ocean will always be part of who we are.'
Kababinna, Sunshine Coast: 'The ocean is alive – it moves, breathes, and connects us to something greater. I wanted to be photographed here on Gubbi Gubbi Country because this place fills me with wonder. The way the water crashes against the rocks, the energy of the ocean – it reminds me of how powerful and free we are. Every wave, every drop, every moment out here is something to respect and cherish. I chose to be photographed near the saltwater. Unya Jagun (my country) Biren Jagun (saltwater country) is where I always feel my strongest and where my people have always belonged. To stay strong in my culture is a necessity for me, and I am learning every day. In the words of my grandfather (GuGu Yalanji): 'Gurri milka wulun' – don't forget. 'Gurri gingy gingy' – don't get confused.'
Gordon Browning, Gympie: 'My name is Gordon Browning, I am a proud Bundjalung/ Coodjinburra and South Sea Islander man from Fingal Heads. I currently live in the Gympie Regional Council and have worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health for the last 25 years. I started my health career in 1999, as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker at the Gympie Hospital. This picture was taken on our property just outside of Gympie, my totem is the mibunn (sea eagle). When I paint up, this is my grounding to my culture, my country and our law/lore. I have been blessed to have to support from my beautiful wife, our four children, and three grandchildren.'
Mandji, Marcus Beach: 'My name is Mandji. My name comes from the Gubbi Gubbi word meaning 'friend'. I am a proud Bundjalung Yugambeh and South Sea Islander woman. I have spent my life privileged to grow up around strong First Nations family, Elders, and community, and I take pride in my culture. I am mother to my Kubill Muyumm (beautiful little boy), who is my absolute world. To be Aboriginal to me is such a special feeling and privilege. It gives me strength every day, knowing that I'm walking in the footsteps of my ancestors. Through the salt water, air, the bush, and the flames of the fire, I can hear my old people guiding me as a mother and helping me walk through this society, a society that I was born into and one I have chosen to birth my son and daughter into.'
Adrian Bauwens, Cherbourg: 'Galang Gumba Daru – G'day. I'm Adrian, a man of the Wakka Wakka people. I am grateful to be able to share with you some insight into my connection with country. What you can see here in the photo is an ancient practice from our culture – fire on country. To many of us, fire is an important element of country and its wellbeing. The land loves a good fire that is performed in a cultural way. Everything on country greatly benefits from our fire practices; from plants, to animals, to fungi and insects. There is something for everyone when a fire comes through. As someone who works in the environmental field, this is something I am passionate about – helping country to stay strong and healthy. It's hard to describe, but whenever we do these burns, I like to think of country really enjoying the fire. Almost like it's happy and celebrating, or even dancing. There's just something so calming about being in the presence of country during a burn.'
Simon Thornalley, Mooloolaba: Launched in early 2020, Saltwater Eco Tours is the vision of Simon Thornalley, a young Indigenous man of Torres Strait Island descent who was born on the Sunshine Coast and introduced to his sailing lifestyle by his parents who were world-class sailors and environmentalists themselves. That vision was to establish a unique tourism experience that would inspire a deeper connection to Indigenous culture and the ocean. Collaboration with Traditional Owners of the Kabi Kabi First Nation people ensures that Saltwater Eco Tours delivers an authentic local visitor experience, sharing the timeless wisdom of the world's oldest continuous living cultures, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Alongside his partner Jenna, Traditional Owner Aunty Bridgette Chilli and their experienced crew, the company prides themselves on authenticity, passion and a genuine love for the ocean.
Toshianna Josiah, Yaggra Station: This is where I feel strongest - on horseback, with the dust rising and the sun setting behind me. It's in these moments that I know exactly who I am.' Toshianna is a true horsewoman and fearless bull rider. She's been in the saddle since she was seven, riding with spirit, courage, and grace. We thank our Creator for her natural talent and a nity. Her dream lives in the rodeo arena, where she feels most alive riding bulls, drawn to the thrill and challenge. She's forged in the rhythm of the land and the strength of the saddle. The station is more than a place of work - it's where her roots run deep. It's where resilience is inherited, where hard work is worn like a badge of honour, and where the bond between rider and horse is unbreakable. As the dust swirls in the golden light, Toshianna rides on - carrying her ancestors, her dreams, and her future in every stride
Tia Pitman is a former gymnast turned professional roller skater, who is making waves in skate parks, on social media, and the performance stage. With her gymnastics background, Tia brings dynamic movement, fearless tricks, and creative expression to the world of roller skating, inspiring a new generation of skaters and performers. This image captures her passion, skill, and unstoppable energy.
Old Crow, Kowanyama: 'I wanted to be photographed here because I've been working these machines since I was 16. It's what I love, and it's what I've done all my life. Every day, I get up, climb in, and get to work. It's not just a job – it's part of who I am.'
Aleon, Hammond Island: Beauty of Kirriri. 'The saltwater is where I feel alive, wind in my hair, salt on my lips, shells in my pocket, and sand on my feet. The water holds our stories that our spirit connects to the sea. Where our forefathers sailed, bring hope for you and me. This is my happy place where the sky meets the sea. Kirriri Island is a place where you long to be and a home to me.'
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