Artist voice

Connection story
“This is the Gabul — the Rainbow Serpent — who travelled from Herbert River through the sea, forming the islands and the reefs, and up to Magnetic Island and Ross River. Gabul’s track is drawn here through the body of the island, with water lines showing his journey. Around him swim our old friends — turtles, whales, dugongs — they’ve been here as long as the story. At the bottom, our people travel by canoe, carrying stories, trade, and family between bays and islands. In the middle of the serpent’s path you’ll see a campfire gathering, a place for sharing, teaching, and resting on the journey. These are the old ways — movement on Sea Country, living with the tides, carrying knowledge with us. When our young ones learn this, they learn where they belong.”

Elements to notice

• Central island form — stylised shape of Great Palm Island & surrounding waters
• Gabul serpent path — white body lined with dot/line motifs winding through the island’s centre
• Animal kin — two sea turtles (one patterned, one naturalistic), two whales, two dugongs
• Canoe scene — nine black-and-white figures paddling; gold outlines marking cultural light/protection
• Campfire gathering — small group scene within the serpent path, symbolising knowledge exchange
• Gold outlines & infill — echo reef sand, sunlight, and ceremonial marking
• Sea whirl background — deep teal/blue concentric strokes creating movement and depth

Technique notes
Layered acrylic with fine line and dot work; gold ochre outlining; collaged/transfer photographic figures; metallic/glitter infill to mimic reef shimmer; composition radiates from island centre outward.

Teaching message
Know the story of the Gabul. It’s the map of our islands, our sea, and our connections.

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