Wizards First Nations Tee

The artist Christopher McGregor-Sandy is a Yuggera/Mununjalli man. The painting is a genuine representation of his family’s and ancestor’s stories, visions and kinship.

At the centre of the painting is the Zillman waterholes, the original western name of Zillmere and surrounding suburbs. Yuggera peoples, along with many Aboriginal groups, are connected to the landscape, and this relationship is the foundation for all aspects of our kinship and belief systems. The waterholes provided a mutual ground for conflicts to be addressed and resolved.

Depicted on opposite sides of the waterholes is Tighgum, known as lawyer cane that grew in the area, and is represented in the suburb name of Taigum. Plants like this had multiple uses to Yuggera peoples, including weaving various tools and resources. The fruit also provided a great source of food. Birds use this type of spikey plant to evade predators whilst nesting.

The mullet and eel are important aspect to symbolise in the painting because they too are important food sources from the local Pine River region and surrounding creek lines.

These animals and plants of the region were key to local custodians survival. The landscape has an identity that we respect and care for, and although the identity has changed in recent years, Aboriginal peoples from all over are consistently working on Country conservation and cultural burns to restore or revitalise the landscape.

Down the bottom of the painting a fire is surrounded by Yuggera peoples dancing corroboree. This directly ties in with the 2024 NAIDOC theme of Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

This painting and design is an important event for the Northside Wizards in their aspirations to connect with local peoples and history.