Media Release
28 November 2024
- Each year during National Reconciliation Week, Reconciliation WA presents the Street Banner Program.
- In 2025, Snake Nest, a powerful artwork by Noongar artist Darryl Dempster has been selected, blending traditional symbolism with contemporary expression to celebrate family, nurturing, and the natural world.
- Over 300 banners will fly high across Western Australia and showcase Darryl’s artwork during NRW 2025 (27 May – 3 June), inviting Australians to reflect on shared histories, cultures, and the steps toward a more united future.
- Organisations, Families and Individuals can now provide support by purchasing a banner.
- Banners are made from recyclable and up cyclable materials, with post-campaign efforts ensuring they are repurposed
Reconciliation WA proudly announces the 2025 National Reconciliation Week (NRW) Street Banner Program, showcasing Snake Nest, a striking artwork by Western Australian Noongar artist Darryl Dempster. During National Reconciliation Week, from 27 May to 3 June, over 300 public banner locations and digital screens will display Dempster’s work across Western Australia, inviting all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving a more united Australia.
Snake Nest stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Aboriginal life, blending traditional symbolism with contemporary expression. Through vivid colours and symbolic imagery, Dempster’s artwork invites reflection on family, nurturing, and the natural world, celebrating the sacredness of motherhood and the enduring bonds that connect us all.
Reconciliation WA CEO Jody Nunn shared RWA’s commitment:
“Our NRW Street Banner Program is more than just a celebration of National Reconciliation Week; it’s an opportunity for everyone to engage with Aboriginal stories and beautiful artwork.
“We are proud to work alongside Noongar artist Darryl Dempster to bring his vibrant story to life through the NRW Street Banner Program. Supporting Aboriginal artists is a powerful step toward unity, understanding, and respect for Aboriginal perspectives within our community.
“Darryl’s story is a powerful reminder of why inclusivity must remain at the heart of everything we do. By creating spaces where artists like Darryl, who navigate life with unique challenges, can share their talents, we’re embracing a community that values every voice and every perspective. His journey is an inspiration, and we’re honoured to support his incredible artistic expression while championing the importance of inclusion across all sectors.”
Darryl Dempster, a proud Noongar man, was born in Kepa Kurl (Esperance) and moved to Boorloo (Perth) in early adulthood. Living with limited verbal abilities, Darryl communicates through a unique combination of gestures and sounds, finding solace and expression in painting. His raw, uninhibited style features explosive splashes of colour and bold gestural marks across diverse surfaces, from traditional canvases to found objects like street signs and garments, each reflecting his lived experience and cultural knowledge.
Rocky Bay Team Leader Talei Mackenzie, who has supported Darryl’s artistic journey, noted, “Darryl’s art journey began just before the COVID pandemic, and it quickly became clear that he found joy in exploring colour and connection. He’s continued that journey, initially exploring identity, history, and memories through darker colours and varied objects. A collaboration with Reconciliation WA is a tremendous achievement for Darryl, and to have his artwork displayed in over 300 locations during Reconciliation Week 2025 is a testament to how far his artistic talent has taken him.”
The NRW Street Banner Program also incorporates Reconciliation WA’s commitment to sustainability, producing banners on recyclable and up cyclable fabrics. Following the campaign, the materials will be repurposed, aligning with 2024 efforts that saw 64 kilograms of Boorloo banners transformed into materials for construction, eyewear, and park benches and another set of banners sent to local schools for community repurposing, supporting creativity while reducing waste.
Our commitment to sustainability means that every banner becomes part of a broader cycle, reducing waste and supporting creativity beyond National Reconciliation Week,” Jody Nunn added.
“This approach aligns with our values of environmental stewardship, ensuring the NRW Street Banner Program is as impactful for future generations as it is for those who see the banners today.”
Merchandise featuring Darryl’s art will be available in March 2025.
For more information, please visit https://www.recwa.org.au/what-is-reconciliation/street-banner-program/
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