2026
Digital Illustration

Holly Sanders is a First Nations artist and teacher, a proud Bundjalung woman, currently residing on Yuin and Dharawal Countries (New South Wales).

This artwork celebrates 50 Years of Deadly - Fifty years of NAIDOC and unwavering strength and spirit. Grounded in culture and Country, it acknowledges a half-century journey of resistance, truth, and pride.

The meeting places scattered across the work symbolise communities coming together as a movement. They represent places for voices to be heard, for resistance to take shape, and for the Deadly spirit of communities to celebrate and shine. These meeting places embody the resilience and ongoing momentum that has carried through generations and beyond these fifty years.

The colours reflect the balance of this journey. The ochres represent the land and the tracks walked by old people and ancestors, and those who stood steady, unapologetic, and proud. Surrounding these are the vibrant colours of Country that continue to hold and nurture us.

The story lines flowing across the canvas represent shared histories and the diversity of communities. They show knowledge being passed from generation to generation, creating space for truth-telling and acknowledging both struggle and strength.

This work honours Elders who have carried the fire with determination through the decades, empowering our jarjums (children) to carry it for the next fifty, strong and proud in culture and identity.

Fifty Years of Deadly is a time of reflection and a sign of continued movement. We honour all that came before by continuing the work - grounded in Country, truth, and resilience. We are strong, we are proud, and we are still here.