FW: ( S.A. ) Ochre Dawn : Connecting this Christmas with gifts & gratitude

TORRENS CONNECT

Over the past few months, we have been working with Torrens Connect as they continue their Reconciliation journey. At the heart of this is a large painting on canvas created by Milly Sumner (Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri) which we will convert into digital files for use on their future RAP and further marketing collateral. Alongside this, tram stops and other large areas are getting facelifts, to help bring the spirit of Reconciliation and Aboriginal storytelling to the fore of commute-life.

Milly said that “This painting represents Torrens Connect and how they connect with the wider Community. Meeting place in the centre represents the depot where all the staff gather each day and then branch off in different directions to their roles within the organisation. Each staff members plays a critical role in the operations of tram service to the wider Community.Torrens Connect is a multicultural organisation, and this painting captures the many people from all cultures coming together.Tram line running through the middle and tram stops along the way. Meeting places in the background to represent the surrounding suburbs that the tram line travels through.Water to represent being close to the beach. Colours red to represent the land, yellow for the sand and green for the trees.”

The Torrens Connect team explain the impact of this artwork for their organisation: “We use words like ‘connect’ and ‘connections’ a lot – but sometimes those connections can have remarkable results.
Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri artist Milly Sumner’s husband is a tram operator. Through the Tramily connection, Milly was commissioned to paint a work representing Torrens Connect.
Her stunning piece (titled ‘Torrens Connecting with Community’) was digitised by Ochre Dawn, whose Founder and CEO Rebecca Wessels happened to connect with members of the Customer Experience Team on a tram after this year’s NAIDOC Week march. Ochre Dawn did an amazing job in re-creating the artwork on lanyards as well. 
Torrens Connect values the “Connection” we’ve made with Milly and Ochre Dawn.”

Congratulations Milly and the Torrens Connect team on the beginning of this journey – we’re enjoying walking it with you.

📷: Milly is pictured above with her husband, son and Rebecca Wessels.

DAVID GULPILIL RIDJIMIRARIL DALAITHNGU
Actor, Dancer, Storyteller, Painter, Legend

Our artist of the month is the late, great David Gulpilil Ridjumiraril Dalaithngu AM who has forever changed the way Australian film represents Indigenous people and cultural heritage. David was from the Mandhalpingu clan of the Yolŋu people and raised in Arnhem land. He was a dancer, actor, singer, painter and storyteller.

His first acting role – in Nicolas Roeg’s Walkabout (1970) was one of the first roles played by an Indigenous person. Gulpilil’s acting career spanned 50 years – his films included Storm Boy, The Last Wave, Crocodile Dundee, The Tracker, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Ten Canoes, Charlie’s Country and more. His last film was a documentary about his own life, My Name Is Gulpilil, directed by Molly Reynolds, As part of his achievements, he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 1987 and celebrated for his capacity as an actor including Best Actor – Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival for Charlie’s Country (Rolf de Heer, 2013) and two Best Actor AACTA/AFI Awards, for The Tracker (Rolf de Heer, 2002) and Charlie’s Country.

One of Australia’s greatest artists, he died four years after being diagnosed with lung cancer. The family of Dalaithngu has advised that his name and image may be used in accordance with his wishes, following his passing.
📷: Thomas Readett Visual Arts

DHUWA COFFEE

Feel like a cuppa? Today’s business in the spotlight is DHUWA Coffee.

DHUWA (pronounced dee:wah and meaning to feel alive in Bidjara language) – is a First Nations owned coffee brand, made to start sharing conversations with non-Indigenous Australians. They call it ‘Reconciliation in a cup’ as DHUWA believe a great cup of coffee connects us as we share stories, build bonds, and nourish relationships.

Their green initiatives are future focused on the environmental and economic health of the coffee industry. By minimising environmental impact they maximise their social impact, creating economic sustainability for their coffee growers.

You can find DHUWA stocked in Woolworths Supermarkets, so head to the DHUWA website to find out which is the closest store to you!

FESTIVE CARDS

Resident artists of Ochre Dawn, Jordan Lovegrove (Ngarrindjeri) & Lawson Dodd (Kaurna/Narungga/Ngarrindjerri) have teamed up to create a trio of Christmas cards – without the cringe. Featuring original artistry with a minimalist approach, take five to hand write a card to your loved ones or most loved clients and know that your card will bring great joy, celebration or festivity to its recipient!

Purchase from us at our Glandore location or order via our sales team.

THE FIRST SCIENTISTS

Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples

Australia’s First Peoples have the longest continuing culture on Earth whose innovations are brought to life in The First Scientists by Corey Tutt of DeadlyScience and illustrated by Blak Douglas.
Aimed at kids aged 7 to 12 years, this book will nourish readers’ love of science in its chapters on astronomy, engineering, forensic science, chemistry, land management and ecology while developing respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time.
The first scientists passed on the lessons of the land, sea and sky to the future scientists of today through stories, song and dance – many of these lessons are now shared in this book.
The winner of November’s Book of the Month ‘How to Make a Basket’, is Kate! Thanks again, Kate, for your order from our online store.

Now, it could be your turn to win this month’s great book!

Simply order from our online shop in December and you will be automatically entered into the draw to win a copy of this fascinating book.

DOUBLING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

This Christmas, give the gift that gives twice – once to the receiver with a beautifully designed gift, and once to the artist behind the design who is paid royalties for every Ochre Dawn item you purchase.

Whether its something as small as a Pride Pin in an Ochre Dawn card to a distant friend, or a hamper filled with reuseable drinkware, bags, apparel and more, we’ve got your Christmas giving needs sorted. Come in and see us in Glandore, shop online or if you want a mass order contact our sales team directly. But if you’re wanting a big order, it’s time to order today, to ensure the possibility of Christmas delivery.

Give a gift that is beautiful, fairly sourced and celebrates art in everyday life!