An inmate from Parklea Correctional Centre has won an Aboriginal art competition and his work will be used to help reunite people from the Stolen Generations .

The competition was held by Link- Up ( NSW ), which was founded in 1980 to assist all Aboriginal people who have been directly affected by past government policies , separated from their families and culture through forced removal , or been fostered , adopted or raised in institutions .

Link-Up ( NSW ) holds the Cooee Festival each year in Western Sydney to highlight its work and bring people together . Previously the organisation has used its own artwork to promote it , but this year they decided to seek new Indigenous talent to provide an opportunity for an Aboriginal artist to gain exposure and earn money for their work . * Jack , a Barkandji Wiradjuri man , has been named as the winner and will receive a $ 1,000 prize for his painting , which will be used to promote the 2024 Cooee Festival via social media and on merchandise .

Link-Up ( NSW ) Marketing and Events Supervisor Jo-Ann Bird said they received 60 entries for the competition , which was whittled down to five , and the Elders from the organisation ’ s board chose Jack ’ s work as the winner .

“ Jack ’ s painting was absolutely amazing and so detailed , it was just what we were looking for - the colours , the story , it was deadly ,” Jo-Ann said .

Parklea Governor Wayne Taylor said it

was very exciting for an inmate at Parklea to be recognised for their art in this way , and the win would have a positive impact on Jack ’ s confidence and self-esteem .

“ Creative programs are an integral part of our education and reducing reoffending strategies , and we encourage inmates to take part in them , as they help to improve their mental health and wellbeing ,” Governor Taylor said .

“ The programs also give them something meaningful to do with their time and art allows people to express their feelings and creativity and it has a calming effect on them .

“ Receiving this recognition will hopefully give Jack the confidence and encouragement he needs to continue with his art and perhaps explore this as a career option when he leaves prison .”

Inmates who participate in the art program are provided with equipment for free , and receive professional tutorials , help from specialised staff , and support from other inmates who act as peer mentors .

Jack ’ s love of art was sparked in 2006 after he participated in the Brush Up program at a juvenile facility . He then learned traditional Indigenous art techniques from an Elder and has continued to paint ever since .

He decided to enter the Link-Up ( NSW ) art competition after encouragement from Parklea ’ s Cultural Adviser .

Jack said he was happy and over the moon to win the prize , as it was the first time he ’ d won an art competition .

Inmate Jack ’ s wining artwork .

“ It still hasn ’ t kicked in yet , as I ’ ve never achieved anything like this ,” Jack said .

“ My dad is really proud of me and that made me even more happy .

“ Winning this has boosted my confidence and I now want to keep painting .”

Jack spent two weeks solidly working on the piece , which is a message about the importance of learning culture from Elders to keep it strong .

He said the footprints in the middle of the painting represented a pathway for Indigenous youth and young adults to follow to learn culture , such as dance , ceremonies and corroborees .

The yellow ochres represent landscapes , rocks , mountains , sand and dirt and Elders teaching young men . The red and brown ochres represent women teaching young women culture , dance and ceremonies .

“ All Indigenous art has a story behind it and I used my skills to tell it ,” Jack said .

“ Following in the footsteps of Elders is a very important thing for any Aboriginal Indigenous person .

“ We need to keep doing these practices daily , weekly , monthly , and yearly to keep the culture strong .”

* Name has been changed .