Local Aboriginal artist starting conversations at Griffith Service Centre with ‘Corroboree’ artwork

A talented Wiradjuri artist hopes her Aboriginal art displayed in Griffith Service NSW Centre will become a conversation starter about Aboriginal culture.

31-year-old Amy Kilby’s digital artwork ‘Corroboree’ printed on a canvas is a colourful celebration of Wiradjuri people and was selected to feature in the Service Centre by a panel including representatives from the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service and the Local Aboriginal Land Council.

‘Corroboree’ is a bright burst of colours and represents the sacred time of celebration for Aboriginal people, signifying the connection to the earth and spirits through the unity and harmony of Aboriginal people as they come together with song, dance, joy and sometimes sorrow.

Griffith is the second of ten Service Centres to engage with their local Aboriginal community including Elders and community organisations to display a local Aboriginal artist’s work following a successful pilot program at Kempsey and Moree in 2022.

Service NSW’s Aboriginal Artwork Initiative, which was established following staff and customer feedback, aims to strengthen engagement with and acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as make local centres more welcoming and an inclusive environment for all people.

Griffith Service Centre works closely with local Aboriginal community groups and attends community events such as NAIDOC celebrations to increase awareness of government services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Service NSW also offers an Aboriginal Traineeship Program and partners with a group training organisation to provide an employment pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Amy Kilby comes from a family of Aboriginal artists and has been a graphic designer for the past decade, specialising in the development of culturally engaging artwork, designs and content.

Quotes to be attributed to Griffith Service Centre Manager, Casey Wolfe:

“We want to ensure our Service Centres are reflective and inclusive of the communities they serve, and sharing artwork by a local Aboriginal artist is just one way we can strengthen our bonds with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“Thank you to Amy for wanting to share the stories of the Wiradjuri people, educate others about the richness of their history and inspire all of us through this vibrant artwork."

“We look forward to serving customers who can now enjoy and appreciate Amy’s artwork while completing government transactions at Griffith Service Centre.”

Quotes to be attributed to Artist, Amy Kilby:

“Since I was little I always wanted to paint but going through school and learning technology and computers inspired me to want to digitise traditional Aboriginal art and create my own digital Aboriginal art.”

“I created ‘Corroboree’ in April 2023 after receiving some good news in my personal life and translated those feelings and thoughts into art to signify celebration and a sense of community.”

“People may be coming to the Service Centre at a time when they are stressed or worried about having to fill out a form or get something resolved but I hope my artwork will brighten the space, bring people joy with the vibrant colours as well as be a conversation starter about Aboriginal culture.”

“This initiative from Service NSW is encouraging as it is important to acknowledge and embrace Aboriginal land and our people.”