Bulbul Nukang Wonai – Heart for Women & Children

This artwork tells a story of women’s strength, care and connection. It is the story of Nova for Women and Children, a place where women and their little ones can come to feel safe, supported and heard.

It brings an Acknowledgement to Country, honouring the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the Traditional Custodians of this land where Nova walks alongside community. It recognises our old people, today’s mob and the next mob coming through, and their ongoing connection to land, waters and spirit.

At the heart of the artwork is a large expanding gathering circle, overlayed with traditional women and elder’s symbolism highlighting Nova and the homes, services and programs across country they operate in support of women and children.  Places were women and children are supported within a safe and nurturing environment, as they journey towards a life of independence and resilience, where they are respected and valued.

Together the women symbols, gathering circles and pathways interwoven throughout the design highlight the Nova team and community, reflective of respectful relationships across a strong network of partners and donors, as they work together around the shared vision of a future where women live with dignity and security with opportunity to reach their full potential. Together this imagery represents safe spaces where women are welcomed in, where stories are shared, and where healing begins. These circles hold the strength of women sitting together, not alone, but as a connected mob supporting one another, walking side by side.

This imagery captures six smaller purple gathering circles depicting Nova’s 6 key values:

·         Act with intent

·         Focus on strengths

·         Promote collaborative, innovative and inclusive practice

·         Respect and embrace diversity

·         Appreciate and value cultural diversity

·         Work Respectfully

Flowing around these circles are soft pathways representing the journeys women take, sometimes through hardship, sometimes through change but always moving forward. These pathways reflect Nova’s work of walking alongside women and children with care, creating safe, supportive environments where dignity, security and opportunity can grow. 

A backdrop of songlines on country move across the canvas, carrying stories across time from past, present and into the future and reminding us that healing and strength are grounded in connection to culture, place and community.  These songlines depict country of the Awabakal and Worimi from the waterways, wetlands, hills & plains and coastal areas with colour moving gently through the artwork -calming, nurturing tones reflecting safety, care and healing. They create a feeling of softness, balance and protection, echoing the environments Nova creates for women and children every day.

This artwork speaks to a place of refuge and renewal. A place where women can pause, breathe, rebuild and begin again. A place where voices are heard, where strength is recognised, and where futures can be reimagined.

It is a story of coming together, holding each other up, and walking forward strong.

A story of women caring, women leading, women healing.

Size: 1020(w) x 1020(h) mm

Year: 2026

Medium: Mixed medium on premium stretched canvas with hanging hooks and wire.