Be Strong Be Connected exhibition

True Child & Family Service has been working on several new projects which support children not only in the Cairns region, but also across the state. 

The Artwork

Two female teammates

A series of 60 canvases were created as the foundation for the Be Strong, Be Connected Strengths Cards Project - culturally relevant images that reflect the wisdom, artistry and insight of our First Nations’ people, that were transformed into a therapeutic and facilitative resource for schools, youth centres and counselling services to use locally, Australia-wide and internationally.

True Child and Family Service provides therapeutic counselling to children and young people across the Cairns region who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse, and those who display problem or harmful sexual behaviours. Approximately 30% of our client group identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Our counselling staff ensure that therapeutic tools used in our counselling services are culturally relevant and reflect local First Nation wisdom, artistry and insight.

The Virtual Exhibition

Comprising 60 beautiful artworks by artist Nathan Mundraby, the exhibition is available below via a guided tour of 30 artworks. Then watch the video of the additional 30 pieces at the end of the tour (follow the links). For best viewing, watch in 'full screen' by clicking on the menu (top right corner).

The Strengths Cards

strengths cards image The ‘Be Strong, Be Connected’ strengths cards are intended to be a therapeutic and facilitative resource for schools, youth centres and counselling services Australia wide. The cards combine photography developed with the Indigenous   youth of Far North Queensland, overlaid with the painted artistry of local artist Nathan Mundraby. This beautifully boxed set contains 60 breathtaking images of children, culture, kin & country. 

The Strengths Cards capture the young people’s hopes, dreams, passions, interests, identity and more, while the insightful nature of Nathan’s artwork adds further possibilities for reflection. This card set was developed by the True Child and Family Service in Far North Queensland in conjunction with YouthLink Cre8 Kuranda youth workers, XJ Chin and Nikita Joffray, and artist Nathan Mundraby, and with the support of project funding from Perpetual Trust.

The Artists

Nathan Mundraby - The Artist

A descendant of Jabulum Mandingalbay Clan - Yidinji Rainforest People and Lama Lama Tribe - Thaypan Country (Weipa South), Nathan is a 7th generation descendent of a proud Mandingalbay woman and Tablelands Yindinji/Djirrbal man. Nathan has the Djirrbal Indigenous given name of Midin (possum) given by his father's mother - Dowiti Yarrakali. His Yidinji tribal name is Yabulam (black cane) and he was named after a great tribal elder of generations past. Nathan lives in Yarrabah, Far North Qld, and has toured the globe playing digeridoo for Hugh Jackman and show-casing art through the Nomad Two Worlds project.

Nikita Joffray and Xj Chin - Photographers / Youth Workers

Film maker and photographer Xj Chin and musician Nikita Joffray, both joined the Youth Link Cre8 Kuranda team in 2014 where they began their journey working closely with Indigenous youth. Blending youth work with art, film making, photography, music and design, they inspire and encourage young people. Throught their production company, Nu Paradigm Creative, their dream is to discover and explore the unique strengths of all Indigenous cultures and youth around the world, and to create change through the power of visual media. www.nuparadigmcreative.com

Download Flyer

Buy in Cairns

Be Strong, Be Connected Strength Cards are available from True Child and Family Service:

True Child & Family Service are now located at:

216 Draper Street
Paramatta Park
Cairns QLD 4870

Phone: (07) 4281 6893

Email: childandfamily@true.org.au


Buy online

 

 

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this publication may contain images of people who have since passed away.