Courtney Garstang, Barkinji artist and student at Macquarie University

"I am a young Barkindji artist based on Darkinjung land on the Central Coast, NSW. I have always been passionate about art and started my Indigenous art journey at the end of Year 12 with a life-size sculpture and kangaroo skins decorated with Aboriginal art. The artwork explored the need to care for our Earth the way Indigenous peoples did. I was raised by my single father who enriched my Indigenous heritage and artistic journey. After year 12 I had my first ever commissioned major work which was a mural, this snowballed into more opportunities such as this and other Reconciliation Action Plan artworks. It is a journey and dream I really want to continue and make a sustainable career from.

This major piece explores the cultural story of the Darug Wallamatta People, the Nation Novartis is situated on and the work that Novartis practices on Darug Wallamatta Land. It encapsulates the story of the angophora tree, believed to be an ascension tree to the Darug Wallamatta people, a vessel for spirits to move up and down to Earth. During pregnancy, the woman would sit under the tree and wait for a spirit to enter her belly into her unborn child. At the end of their life when someone passes, their body is wrapped in bark and placed in the tree’s large branches, allowing the loved one’s spirit to return to the heavens. Along with this beautiful story this piece displays the collaborative and innovative work Novartis practices on Darug Wallamatta land. Elements of the piece symbolise the company’s goal reconciling and helping all communities in need."

Learn More about Novartis Reconciliation Plan