Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People

Artwork meaning:

The artwork by Jordan Lovegrove, a young Ngarrindjeri man, of Dreamtime Creative, was produced for April Lawrie, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People. The creative art piece depicts the butterfly symbolically representing Aboriginal children and young people. The butterfly is illustrated as large and central in the art piece so as to emphasise the importance and priority needs of Aboriginal children and young – and to accentuate the message that we need to be “child centred” in all that we do – and we need to see them and hear them! And in order for a butterfly to emerge, its chrysalis needs to be protected so it can grow into its own being and reach its highest potential – we want the same for Aboriginal children and young people.

A butterfly’s wings are symmetrical and our Aboriginal children and young people need the balance of safety and wellbeing with culture and identity, to ensure a path to success. Without the balance, their wellbeing and their inherent rights as Aboriginal children and young people cannot be fully realised. The circles are the families and communities which Aboriginal children and young people are connected to, and need to be with – they are critical to the child’s sense of belonging.

The patterned colours (with dots in them) that are touching the circles and surrounding the butterfly represent the various sectors, agencies and workers interacting with Aboriginal children and young people, their families and communities. The black background that surrounds the whole art piece symbolises the creation of the position of Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People and their role to uphold and influence safety and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people across key sectors such as health, education, child protection and justice.