Jinibara artist Jennifer Kent has officially presented a new reconciliation artwork titled Buguwar to Somerset Regional Council at a ceremony in Esk on 8 April 2026. The piece serves as a key milestone in the Council’s efforts to strengthen its partnership with the Jinibara people, who are the traditional owners of the region.
The artwork, which represents the Duungidjawa word for fresh water, highlights the importance of the Brisbane River, referred to as Maiwar, as a source of life for the community. The piece incorporates native flora and fauna such as bunya nuts, golden wattle, eucalyptus, native bees, Mary River cod, and koalas to represent the local environment. These images symbolise the concept of djarra, reflecting the ongoing cycle of giving back and caring for the land.
Commissioned as part of the Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan for 2025-2027, the work highlights the government’s commitment to preserving the heritage of the region’s First Nations communities. The Jinibara people have been formally recognised as the traditional custodians of this area since 2012.
Residents will have the opportunity to view the artwork when it is placed on public display at the Toogoolawah Library and Cultural Centre upon its opening in mid-2027. The project stands as a permanent fixture intended to foster a deeper understanding of the region’s history among all residents.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of Australia as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know here. You're part of the process.
