Bush Budgies of Cunnamulla – Keepers of the Water Trails

Out on Cunnamulla Country, the little bush budgies carry the old knowledge of water. Our old people said that when these bright green birds sweep across the sky, they are guiding you toward life — to the hidden soaks, the quiet creeks, the places where Country still breathes beneath the heat.
In this painting, the central circles show the heart of Country — the great waterhole that sustains everything. Around it sit the smaller camps and meeting places, each one joined by travelling lines that ripple like the budgies’ own flight paths. The markings show stories being shared, footsteps moving, and the lifelines of the desert shifting with the seasons.

On the left, the budgies gather on the dry gum tree, a symbol of survival and holding on through the dry. On the right, one budgie sweeps out across the Country, carrying the message of rain, movement, and hope. The dots and patterns show their song — a vibration through the land that guides people, animals, and plants.
The bush budgies are the quiet watchers of Cunnamulla. They remind us that even in the hardest places, there is always a path, always a water source, always a story waiting to rise.

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Artist Statement
I was born in Cunnamulla, a small town in southwestern Queensland, on the edge of Barunggam Country. My yumba—my traditional home—is the land of the Barunggam people, who, for thousands of years, have walked gently on this Country as part of the Wakka Wakka language group. Our connection to the Darling Downs runs deep, shared with neighbouring clans like the Keinjan, Giabal, Jarowair, Bigambal, Kambuwal, and Jagara—each with their own sacred stories, songs, and traditions.

As an Aboriginal artist, my work is more than a visual experience—it is a spiritual practice, a cultural responsibility, and a personal journey. My inspiration comes from the land, from our Dreaming, and from the teachings of my wise grandad. Through him, I learned that painting is not about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. Every line, every dot, every colour carries emotion, memory, and meaning.

I do not paint to follow trends or fit into boxes. I paint from feeling and truth. My art is a language—spoken through ochre tones, deep blues, and patterns shaped by the rhythm of Country. It is how I honour my ancestors, how I keep our stories alive, and how I share our culture with the world.

Each piece I create is a declaration:
This is who I am. This is where I come from. This is my story.

Through my work, I hope to offer a glimpse into the soul of Barunggam Country, to connect others with the strength, beauty, and resilience of Aboriginal culture. My art is a tribute to the generations who walked before me—and a message to the generations still to come.