Background Artwork
Background Artwork
Artwork

Project Artwork

‘Gilli Watta’ by Renae Lamb 

Thank you to Renae Lamb for the beautiful and evocative artwork and design from ‘Gilli Watta’. ‘Gilli Watta’ is a word from the local Gathang language meaning ‘sparking the flame.’

I am proud to present ‘Gilli Watta’ as a reflection of my journey as a Wiradjuri, Wongaibon woman, and mother of three proud Worimi, Wiradjuri, and Wongaibon children. It is important for me to showcase the significance of cultural building in our communities, especially for future generations.

In the context of Aboriginal women, ‘sparking the flame’ symbolises a powerful and sacred practice of lighting the flame within – of igniting the fire in the mind, body, and soul.

In the artwork, the women’s symbol represents our Ancestors connecting, and always guiding us upon Country and within our learning journey to Country. The river lines show- through the river ways we learn. Through the stars in the sky- we learn. Through our stars, we understand our stories and connection. As everything in the stars, in the sky, is here on Country and alive. We are always connected, we are always strong, and we are always learning as one.

Background Artwork

About the Artist

Renae Lamb is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri/Wongaibon people of central-west New South Wales. Her ancestral community ties stretch widely across central-west NSW, yet she and her family deeply identify with the Dubbo, Tangie, Dandaloo, and surrounding areas. These communities hold profound cultural and family significance.

Renae was born and raised on the homelands of the WANNARUA, AWABAKAL, and WORIMI communities—lands that shaped her upbringing, where she attended school and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Global Indigenous Studies and minoring in Education from the University of Newcastle. Renae is a mum, the founder of Midnight Dreaming, an educator and an inspiring, visionary artist for change.

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Fee Free Uni Ready Pathways: Developing Stronger, More Equitable Universities and Communities

This comprehensive Best Practice Guide is designed to guide higher education practitioners in the design and delivery of high-quality FFUR courses through best practice. Prepared by the University of Newcastle in collaboration with higher education institutions and educational experts across Australia, this guide provides evidence based recommendations developed in line with current and contemporary research. Filled with practical, real world advice and implementable processes, this guide is useful for all higher education providers, whether they are in the process of designing FFUR courses or have offered them in the past.
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Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Spaces of Knowing & Learning

The 'Enabling' Heart