This beautiful Aboriginal artwork was unveiled at a morning tea ceremony at Wesley Place by CEO Andrew Kinnersly, with proud Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung artist and woman leni attending. 

This is a meaningful step in our reconciliation journey. It is not just about the artwork itself, but what it represents.   

The intention is to respectfully reflect our commitment to Walking Together in Reconciliation in a way that can be shared across our organisation while honouring cultural protocols and protecting Indigenous Cultural and intellectual property. 

lení’s life is as layered and as textured as her work of art.  “My artwork is of me  – but it is not mine.  It comes through me, it has been handed down the generations to me,” she explains. 

It also comes from the heart.  leni, who first picked up a paintbrush while painting with her two (now adult) children, has had no formal art lessons or training.  The 58-year-old has been painting for nearly 20 years now and her work has been exhibited in a number of both First People’s and mainstream galleries across Victoria.  Her work is also incredibly tactile. She says a visually impaired collector connected to the works through feeling it with their fingertips. 

Family and a sense of belonging are enduring values and also of pivotal importance to leni.   Taken from her mother at birth and adopted by a loving non-Indigenous family, she grew up without experiencing her Aboriginal cultural heritage.  This has led to a long personal reconciliation journey for her to reclaim and reignite her identity.   Reuniting with her biological mother and siblings in her early adulthood, in an ongoing, precious and powerful way, has also had an enduring impact on her life.

leni was raised by her adoptive Wimmera farming family parents before relocating to live at a Uniting Church campsite at Halls Gap in Victoria that her late father and her mother took care of for almost 30 years.  Both her parents were devout members of the Uniting Church for their entire lives.  leni was also immersed in a culture of religion as a boarder at Ballarat Clarendon College. 

What is very special is that this particular work of art is not only meaningful for us, but also deeply meaningful for leni. 

“I feel I have come full circle in creating this work of art,” says leni.  “This is the space where it all came together for me.  It showcases my roots and reflects my spirituality as well as the reverence I have for my elders.   

“I love that Uniting AgeWell is part of the Uniting Church.  I recognise that it supports older people combining sincere heartfelt capacity with highest standards of professional care and I love that it is also deeply committed to the Reconciliation Journey.”   

leni is grateful for the unwavering support she has received from Andrew, Director of Mission Rev Clare Brockett and Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator, Lara Mackie.  “They made me feel validated and worthy.  If I can help support Uniting AgeWell in any way in the future, I am more than happy to do so. The people at the organisation are exceptional.” 

leni, who works in First Peoples employment space as well as creatively, says the guidance and deep connection with her Aboriginal family coupled with the support and understanding of her adoptive family, have enabled her to grow and work towards bringing strength and honour to those ancestors who empower and illuminate her path every day.  

Clare and Lara say, “The artwork will become a living representation of our commitment – an anchor point for reflection on where we have come from, where we are now and what Walking Together into the future could look like.  

“It carries responsibility and reminds us to approach Walking Together in our reconciliation journey with respect, humility and intention.”