Officially Unveiling ‘Wild Flowers’: Commissioned Artwork by Proud Gumbaynggirr Artist Josie Rose
Date: May 27, 2024
A celebration of Culture, Country, and Community: presenting ‘Wild Flowers’ from proud Gumbaynggirr woman Josie Rose.
Hailing from Northern Gumbaynggirr Country on the mid North Coast, Josie is an artist with deep connections to many of the Nations that span the Department’s footprint. Her deep understanding of our regions has shone through Wild Flowers, a piece that deeply resonates with our local landscapes and ecosystems.
The commissioned artwork is now part of the University Art Collection, and was officially unveiled this week in the Department of Rural Health’s Port Macquarie space on Biripi land.
As a health worker for many years, Josie’s piece brings forward a rich tapestry of Indigenous knowledges through her connection to Country.
As she writes..
“Wild Flowers is an ode to the small and delicate plants, vines, trees and grasses used in bush medicine and bush tucker from the red dirt west over the green ranges and over to the eastern blue oceanic waters.
The story of Wild Flowers is inspired by the three major Country water systems across the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health’s footprint. This land crossover covers five large First Nations peoples traditional lands. The health professionals in training undertake a range of course placements on these special lands.
It is important to respect even the smallest flowers in these ecosystems because the native plants are all key ingredients to healing in the Old Ways still protected by Ancestors and practiced by the community.”
Josie Rose, Gumbaynggirr Nation (Atkinson/Flanders/Kelly), 2024
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.