Communicare this week unveiled a new artwork Baalap Kep Waankiny (two people talking by the water) by local artist Bennell Collard, aged 13, from Scotch College.
Bennell and his father Rohan, are part of Dooga Waalitj Healing, an Aboriginal owned and managed business working on Nyungar Boodja, specialising in consultancy services, cultural healing, cultural supervision, Welcome to County and Smoking Ceremonies.
Communicare CEO Melissa Perry said that incorporating local Aboriginal art into Communicare’s organisational culture held great significance for the organisation.
She said this new artwork would now replace its initial piece that has been widely used over the last few years.
“It demonstrates our commitment to the aspirations outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan and fosters a deep sense of cultural inclusivity and respect, by acknowledging and celebrating the rich culture of Australia’s First Nations Peoples and the land we all live on,” Ms Perry said.
Bennell, a Wadjuk Ballardong Koolangka, has deep connections to his Nyungar culture and the group is an organisation Communicare partners with.
Bennell has a passion for art, dance and music and has been commissioned for several art pieces over the last few years.
