GCC Year 6 student, Amelia Hughes recently entered the Cootharinga North QLD NAIDOC Week National Art Competition and came runner-up second place.

Amelia entered one of her ‘Cockatoo series’ artworks (using natural ochres from her creek, charcoal, pastels and graphite) called Bawaas, which means sisters.

Amelia said, “The reason I entered this piece into the art competition about Heal Country is because whenever rain or a storm is approaching and you see black cockatoos fly overhead, legend has it that when the black cockatoos call while flying over, that indicates rain is coming. Rain produces nitrogen, and the nitrogen stimulates plant growth, and in turn, animals eat the fresh shoots from the plants.”

In a lovely email, Amelia wrote to her teacher, “I felt I should share this exciting news with you because of the support and encouragement I receive from teachers and staff members who have played an important role in my artistic growth.”

Well done Amelia!