Leaving Our Mark artwork

The name of this artwork is ‘Leaving Our Mark’. Elements of this artwork appear on our reports and other collateral. 

Artist biography

Nathaniel Chapman
Proud Goenpul/Yuggera Man of North Stradbroke Island / Brisbane City. 
Also hailing from the Wambia Tribe on the outskirts of the Northern Territory and Waka Waka country out in Eidsvold Queensland.    

“As a young Indigenous man, I have had the privilege to travel to multiple countries devotedly expressing my cultural heritage through song and dance. I was given the skin name ‘BILLEN’ which means the Parrot, and I now have the privilege to express myself through my Art, always keeping that connection to culture strong.” 

Artist story

“This PIECE is a symbol of the QUEENSLAND OMBUDSMAN, as their work and impact on our communities is never ending, much like our First Nation Elders throughout millennia and still today. For our youth, they’ve been the SUPPORT, the ASSISTANCE, the NURTURER and LEADER, and for our adults the MEDIATORS and the VOICE.

In this country we have many Nations, and it's only normal that conflict between tribes would happen, but without our Elders there to lead through their own experience and knowledge we would not have grown so humble. 

Everything we learn about conservation, teamwork, rehabilitation, leadership and much more has been passed down for 65,000 years, and it's our Elders who make this imperative for the next generation to continue as we need to have pride in one another as the First Nations people of this vast land.

Much of these qualities and morals naturally tie into the QUEENSLAND OMBUDSMAN, because as an organisation it enforces what is right to keep stability within our communities, setting that platform of support for everyone.

The meeting circles bearing down throughout the different dot formations symbolise the multiple landscapes and people impacted by the influence of this organisation.
As we continue through time, we meet new challenges and naturally reflect on ourselves as Australians, the people of this beautiful country. Keeping relationships honest and fair is what the Ombudsman has achieved and will continue to do.”