The stunning natural landscape and indelible community connections of Bundjalung country have inspired NGM Group's first Indigenous artwork, created by Lismore's Tywana Caldwell.
Reconcile Connection, commissioned as part of NGM Group's Reconciliation Action Plan, is a digital artwork that will be displayed in the organisation's Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent branches, in the head office and on key documentation.
A proud Bundjalung woman with Widjabul Wia-bal and Nyangbul bloodlines, the piece is Ms Caldwell's first commission work and draws on local features, such as hills and banksias, and her own family and community links to tell the story of NGM Group's values as the parent to two customer-owned banks and two charitable foundations.
Ms Caldwell said it was hard not to be inspired by the country and people around her.
"When I create it always comes from family and where I'm from, so I used those universal, well-known symbols to represent NGM Group's values and interpret that through my art," she said.
"I love Lismore because the community aspect is amazing, and the support systems they have here for artists and everyone in general are also amazing.
"I feel like this artwork doesn't only represent me or my family, it's all about my community as well."
With her journey starting when she was tagged in a Facebook post, Ms Caldwell's successful Expression of Interest has also now inspired her to enrol in a Horizons course which provides creative industry mentoring and career development for regional youth.
"I didn't even think it was possible for me to do it [be selected], especially as I'm so young and I'm only just starting out with sharing my art," Ms Caldwell said.
"It's a huge milestone for me and I'm very excited and happy.
"It's my proudest moment to date; it still feels crazy that I'm in this position!"
NGM Group Chief Customer and Digital Innovation Officer and Reconciliation Action Plan Sponsor James Cudmore said that it was an honour to receive Reconcile Connection.
"The resilience and strong sense of community in Lismore following the floods is still at the front of our minds, so to have our artwork inspired by this region couldn't be more perfect," he said.
"Tywana has not only done a wonderful job of representing our group's values, but she has also created a truly stunning piece that we are very proud to place on display.
"Tywana's passion is evident in this artwork and we're so grateful to her for sharing her talent with us."
Ms Caldwell officially unveiled the artwork in Newcastle in front of over 1100 people at NGM Group's People Forum, a hybrid Town Hall event which connects employees across the company's footprint.
