Ancestral Cousins by Casey Coolwell-Fisher

This vibrant design by Casey Coolwell-Fisher celebrates the deep and diverse relationships between Quandamooka people and the animals of land, sea and sky. Featuring Garumun (Kangaroo), Buwangun (Bottle-Nose Dolphin), Kabul (Carpet Snake), Marimari (Butterfly), Yalingbila (Whale), Bunbiya (Turtle), Bombebi (Koala), Yuwan (Goanna), Mirrigimpa (Sea Eagle), and Gurrial (Curlew) - each element reflects the rich biodiversity of Casey’s Country and the stories passed down through generations.

For Casey, creating artwork that features animals is also a way of reviving language and cultural knowledge. Through this design, she shares how she has been teaching her young son, Roy, their traditional Jandai language, using the names of animals as a starting point for connection, learning, and pride in identity.