Day: July 7, 2025

Our NAIDOC Week Aboriginal Children’s Art Competition Winner

Posted on by Barnardos

We are thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s NAIDOC Week Aboriginal Art Competition Winner – Latrell Bawurra, age 11!

Latrell’s powerful artwork captures the theme of strength, legacy, and the next generation. At the heart of his painting is a central meeting place, symbolising where generations come together to share knowledge and continue the cultural legacy of their people.

We received 15 entries from across our network, and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the case managers, teams, and centres who rallied around this initiative. Your support made this a meaningful opportunity for the children and young people we work with.

Latrell was incredibly proud to share his win with his community, even offering to share his prize with his brothers. His Learning Centre group was so supportive and thrilled for him, and we’re all excited to see him even more inspired to continue creating art.

Latrell’s Artwork Story:

“The meeting in the middle of my painting represents strength, legacy, and the next generation. It shows the generations at a meeting place, sharing knowledge, and continuing the legacy of our culture. The four areas show different aspects of our culture that help our community learn, pass on knowledge, and stay strong. 

For example, the bottom area represents water and life, the two green sections represent the plants and animals of Country, while the top represents the night sky with the Ancestors continuing to watch over us. The four wavy lines represents the earth, and the middle of the meeting place shows the fire at the centre. Different layers of colours represent different generations.”

Latrell’s piece is a beautiful reminder of the power of culture, community, and connection. Congratulations, Latrell! Your artwork inspires and honours the spirit of NAIDOC!

What’s Next?

To celebrate and honour Latrell’s work, his artwork will be added automatically to all Barnardos email signatures across the organisation. This ensures we carry the spirit of NAIDOC Week with us every day, visibly and proudly.

WHAT WE SEE

We see beyond the sleepover in cars and understand the underlying issues.

After escaping family violence, a parent and their child have nowhere safe to stay and are
currently waiting for refuge accommodation.

We see beyond the sleepover in cars
and understand the underlying issues.

After escaping family violence, a
parent and their child have nowhere
safe to stay and are currently waiting
for refuge accommodation.

HOW BARNARDOS HELPS

We understand that families and children who have experienced domestic and family violence need more than just a safe place to stay. At Barnardos, we work closely with children to identify their unique needs and provide tailored support for each family member.   

Safe accommodation

Support with transitional accommodation

Safety Planning

Providing safety planning
so that families can leave violence for good

Counselling icon

Access to counselling services

Children who have survived domestic and family violence often experience long-term impacts into adulthood. Our caseworkers recognise the importance of specialist support to help them recover and thrive. 

HOW BARNARDOS HELPS

We understand that families and
children who have experienced domestic and family violence need more than just a safe place to stay.
At Barnardos, we work closely with children to identify their unique
needs and provide tailored support
for each family member.   


Support with transitional accommodation
♡
Providing safety planning so that families can leave violence for good
♡
Access to counselling services

Children who have survived domestic and family violence often experience long-term impacts into adulthood.
Our caseworkers recognise the importance of specialist support to
help them recover and thrive. 

You can help too! A simple gift today can support a child who has experienced
domestic and family violence to recover and heal.

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