SuniTAFE’s first “Reflect” Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was proudly launched in March, marking a significant milestone in continuing genuine and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

The design elements of the document were chosen through an art competition open to First Nations artists.  

The winning artwork was produced by proud Barkindji woman Simone Spencer.  

Her digital painting, titled From the Dreaming, now adorns the front page of the document and elements of the piece have been used throughout the publication. 

Simone set out to create a piece of artwork that combines her history and culture with SuniTAFE’s Values and Vision.  

“The ancestors were the main layer on the bottom of the artwork and each other layer depicts a part of our culture,” she said.  

“My intention was to remind everyone that the lands in which we are, everywhere, there's culture embedded in the ground. 

“I also really wanted to research SuniTAFE’s Values and Vision and embed them into my artwork to ensure it represented how our overall community is connected through SuniTAFE.” 

Simone works within the Department of Education as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer. Her role involves working with schools and teachers to be more culturally sensitive and accepting for First Nations students.  

Winning this competition has been an affirming experience for the young artist and is something she hopes inspires the students she works with.  

“It makes me really proud,” Simone said.  

“In my role, you always feel like you’re not doing enough for the young people in the community.  

“I’m not the type of person that puts myself on a pedestal or shouts it from a rooftop, but by doing these sorts of things I would love to pave the way for other young people and young artists. 

"Also, showing the wider communities of Mildura and Swan Hill that young Aboriginal artists like me still exist in our community.” 

Simone grew up around artists and she has been creating ever since she was a child.  

“I’m a passionate artist, my mum is an artist, as well as my dad and my grandfather,” she said.  

“So, it has sort of been in my family and I really want to use my artwork to help bring my culture into mainstream community to promote a better understanding of our culture. 

“I’ve always loved to draw since I was a kid, but it was when I came home from university and I started learning more about my culture and embracing it that I realised I had this passion for expressing myself through art and poems too.” 

Simone reflects that this passion for art and storytelling has long been a part of her culture. 

“Art has always been a way for our people to express ourselves,” she said.  

“Aboriginal culture is not a written culture. Our ancestors didn’t write books and things, so a lot of our stories that we told, our Dreamtime stories, were taught to our children through dance, music, and drawings. 

“Art has always been a part of our practise as a people and that’s one thing I want to teach through my role. I want to teach that they can express themselves in creative ways.” 

Simone entered the Dulka Yuppata Art Competition last year for a chance to have her artwork chosen to represent SuniTAFE’s RAP document.  

Simone views the implementation of Reconciliation Action Plans within local businesses as a positive step in the advancement of Reconciliation.  

“I think a lot of people don’t value the voice or the knowledge of Aboriginal people within the community and I think a RAP is a really good step in the right direction,” she said.  

“A lot of people may think it’s just ticking the box, but if you actually make an effort and do it the right way it’s more sincere and more genuine.”  

SuniTAFE’s “Reflect” Reconciliation Action Plan is available to the public via the SuniTAFE website. Click here to learn more.  

If you would like to read more about the services made available to First Nations learners at SuniTAFE, click here.