“Healthy Communities”

In 2025, Bidgerdii CHS commissioned local indigenous artist Brandon Butler, a proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander, to create an artwork that embodies Bidgerdii’s core values of care, connection, and culture.

The resulting piece, titled “Healthy Communities,” was officially unveiled at our 30th Anniversary Gala Ball in May 2025. This stunning artwork symbolises Bidgerdii’s enduring commitment to the communities we serve across the traditional lands of the Darumbal, Ghungalu, and Ghangalu peoples.

Artist Statement & Painting by: Brandon Butler 2025 (Gaba Art)

This artwork showcases culture, community connection and holistic healthcare, with the focal theme of “Our way is a strong way”. This artwork paints the story of the health and well- being services Bidgerdii provides to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the Rockhampton and surrounding regions.

The Artwork displays two large gatherings. The top green gathering represents Darumbal Country. Within this gathering are four larger U shapes, these represent the four main groups that make up Darumbal Nation. This can also be seen through the four lily pads extending out of the gathering. The additional U shapes surrounding the gathering represent everyone who plays a role within Bidgerdii. The Yugu (water lily) has also been incorporated as recognition to the Darumbal people as it is the Totem of, and sacred plant to the Darumbal people. The bottom brown gathering represents Ghungalu Country. Within this gathering are four larger U shapes to represent the four main groups that make up Ghungalu Country. The additional U shapes surrounding this gathering also represent the people working within Bidgerdii.

My symbolic interpretation of waterway runs throughout the artwork, as these waterways are significant to both Darumbal and Ghangalu country, providing life to all. The Mundagatta (Rainbow Serpent) follows the waterways throughout the artwork. The story of the Mundagatta is recognised within both traditional homegroups as the creator of the land and country on which Bidgerdii works on.

The additional U shapes throughout the painting represent the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Bidgerdii provide community controlled primary health care services too. The grey and peach design within the artwork is my interpretation of Kinship. Kinship to me is the binding of country and community, as well as building strong and respectful relationships with traditional owners.

The Gumbi Gumbi plant has also been added to this artwork as it is a commonly recognised and used plant for its medicinal properties within the indigenous community.

The artwork has been done using predominately natural tones through different shades of ochre which represent the traditional landscapes, blues to connect with the running waterways and greens for the traditional plant use within these homelands.

The artwork “Healthy Communities” focal point is to acknowledge the Traditional Countries Bidgerdii works on and to acknowledge the importance of working collaboratively within these communities. The artwork symbolises the health care Bidgerdii provides within the communities and the continuity of care for generations to come.