Artwork and Artist

Explore the meaning behind the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Bree Buttenshaw, a proud Kalkadoon woman and talented digital artist based in Quandamooka Country.

About Bree

Bree Buttenshaw is a proud Kalkadoon woman and talented digital artist based in Quandamooka Country.

Bree’s artwork is a vibrant fusion between her Aboriginal roots and a contemporary digital approach. Her funky aesthetics, rich colour palettes and intricate patterns tell the story of cultural resilience and represent her deep cultural pride.

Central to Bree’s artistry is her unwavering commitment to community, culture, and Country. Every creative endeavor she undertakes is guided by the principles of Aboriginal culture—taking only what is necessary, leaving an abundance for others, and giving back whenever possible. Through her art, she amplifies the voices of her community, celebrates culture, and pays homage to the enduring connection with Country.

Head over to littlebutten.com to view more of Bree’s work.

About the artwork

The artwork for the National Reconciliation Week 2025 Bridging Now to Next campaign celebrates the resilience of Australia’s native flora, featuring Lemon Myrtle, Banksia, Gum Leaves, Desert Lime and Kangaroo Paw, renowned for their ability to endure harsh conditions, regenerate after fire, and flourish through adversity. These plants embody the strength and adaptability of people and communities, emphasising the importance of growth in the present while looking toward the future.

Vibrant patterns symbolising journeys and tracks reflect resilience, connection, and progress, serving as a reminder of our deep ties to Country and the paths paved by those before us. By interweaving the regenerative stories of native plants with the campaign’s theme, the artwork encapsulates perseverance, unity, and hope.

Bree Buttenshaw
Proud Kalkadoon Woman

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is held on the same dates every year – 27 May – 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Learn more about National Reconciliation Week.

Check out our full suite of posters, social media tiles and other resources to help you get ready for NRW 2025.

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Paul House with gum leaves and smoke
Paul Girrawah House

Paul Girrawah House has multiple First Nation ancestries from the South-East Canberra region, including the Ngambri-Ngurmal (Walgalu), Pajong (Gundungurra), Wallabollooa (Ngunnawal) and Erambie/Brungle (Wiradyuri) family groups.

Paul acknowledges his diverse First Nation history, he particularly identifies as a descendant of Onyong aka Jindoomang from Weereewaa (Lake George) and Henry ‘Black Harry’ Williams from Namadgi who were both multilingual, essentially Walgalu-Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri speaking warriors and Ngunnawal–Wallaballooa man William Lane aka ‘Billy the Bull’ - Murrjinille.

Paul was born at the old Canberra hospital in the centre of his ancestral country and strongly acknowledges his First Nation matriarch ancestors, in particular his mother Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and grandmother, Ms Pearl Simpson-Wedge.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Community Management from Macquarie University, and Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage and Management from CSU.

Paul provided the Welcome to Country for the 47th Opening of Federal Parliament in 2022. Paul is Board Director, Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council, Member Indigenous Reference Group, National Museum of Australia and Australian Government Voice Referendum Engagement Group.  

Paul works on country with the ANU, First Nations Portfolio as a Senior Community Engagement Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

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