GALBAAN Wakulda - Women Together as One - represents strength, mutual respect and understanding.
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It is a stunning visual and cultural representation of the sisterhood by local Birrbay artist Angela Marr-Grogan and will share a powerful message through the work of Liberty Domestic Violence and Specialist Services in Port Macquarie who commissioned the work.
Its unveiling caps off NAIDOC Week across Port Macquarie-Hastings, country that always was, and always will be, Birpai land.
It is the artist's first piece completed on country and supports the work of Liberty and its respect and commitment to caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"The artwork symbolises growth, resilience, nurturing and connecting," Ms Marr-Grogan explained.
"These are all values that Liberty and its team members embody through the valuable work they do every day in supporting families experiencing domestic and family violence.
"It is a healing piece. It features cool colours - green for healing and blue for trust which I think are really important values that represent Liberty and the services they provide.
"For me, like all my artworks, it was a work of love. It took a lot of time and a lot of energy and a little piece of me went into it. I hope that shows through."
Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb said the artwork will become an important part of their visual identity, representing the team's commitment to strengthening cultural awareness and understanding in everything they do.
"This is a deeply meaningful piece, which so beautifully captures the spirit of our work supporting women and children on their journey towards safety," Mrs Lamb said.
In the last 12 months, Liberty has seen a 30 per cent increase in the demand for their service and for many indigenous women, taking the first step to seek out help in a time of crisis can be incredibly difficult.
Liberty works to a Cultural Competency Improvement Plan and has signed and adopted the Redressing Aboriginal Homelessness Accord, undertaken cultural awareness training and employed Aboriginal team members.
"A significant number of our clients are from Aboriginal families, including more than half of transitional housing clients and a quarter of crisis accommodation clients," Mrs Lamb said.
"The support we provide aims to empower our clients and their families to achieve their potential, while upholding the culture, beliefs and heritage that form the foundation of who they are."
Aunty Rhonda Radley led NAIDOC Week celebrations with the establishment of a native garden, cooking, weaving and will on Friday, host a guided walk on country at Shelly Beach.
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