Funding impact through First Nations community leadership, CAGES Foundation, 2021.

Scarring a tree is a practice which occurs in some Aboriginal cultures, it signifies the creation of a resource such as coolamons, shields and other tools. It shows other people that the tree has already provided resources, which can also prevent overuse. The scar tree is the central focus of this artwork as the idea of collecting a resource and turning it into a tool and using it to improve outcomes. This is a concept which is closely related to research and work with Aboriginal people utilising the knowledge that community provides in the most effective way, while also providing Aboriginal people with the means to lead and determine the direction of the project, how tools are used, and their involvement. The coolamon in the background of the artwork is an additional representation of this idea. The rivers flowing in the background represent many concepts, but in particular the idea that knowledge flows through people, that it transforms and returns back to the grassroots, always nourishing the land. The communities at the grassroots of the artwork (yellow), working together up towards a common goal ñ at the top. The different animal prints here are also used to represent the idea of different areas. The tea tree is used here to represent healing, building strength, resilience and caring for community. The artwork is about self-determination, that providing Aboriginal people the tools to make change is the most effective process to improvement.