The Journey to Creating My Award-Winning NAIDOC Poster
In January 2023, I found myself in Queensland, visiting my best friend after she had her first baby. It was such a special time, being there to support her in those early newborn days—helping with bottle feeds, soothing the baby, and simply being present for her as she adjusted to motherhood. But in between those quiet moments of baby cuddles and late-night feeds, I was also working on something deeply meaningful: the NAIDOC poster.
Armed with my iPad, I would sketch and refine my ideas while rocking the baby or sitting with my friend, immersed in this beautiful mix of new life and creative inspiration. The theme, "For Our Elders," resonated deeply with me, and I wanted to create a piece that truly honoured the wisdom, strength, and love that our Elders provide. Each stroke of the design was filled with gratitude for the generations before us, those who paved the way and carried our culture forward.
The deadline crept up fast, and in true Bobbi fashion, I submitted it at the absolute last minute. I had no expectations—I was just honoured to have created something that felt so meaningful. Then, a few weeks later, as I was about to board a flight for another client project, my phone rang. It was the NAIDOC team, telling me that I had won. I was completely stunned. I had to process the news in seconds before stepping onto the plane, my heart racing with disbelief and joy.
Fast forward to July 2023, and I was standing at the NAIDOC Awards, witnessing something I never could have imagined—my art was everywhere. It was used in all the video visuals, woven into the event's storytelling, and even set as the backdrop for Thelma Plum’s performance. Seeing my work showcased on such a grand stage, representing our culture and our Elders, was beyond special. It was a moment of pride not just for me, but for my community, for the people who raised me, and for all the young Indigenous artists dreaming of sharing their voices with the world.
This journey—from creating the artwork in the quiet moments of newborn care to seeing it celebrated at the NAIDOC Awards—reminded me of the power of storytelling, the importance of showing up for our culture, and the unexpected beauty of where our creative journeys can take us. It was, and always will be, one of the most special moments of my career.
