TAMWORTH Regional Council, with the support of the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Lands Council, has unveiled an Aboriginal artwork element which will feature in its corporate branding.

Gomeroi artist Tess Reading’s submission to Council will be rolled out in 2025 across a range of assets to better reflect the significant role that Aboriginal people have played and continue to play in the community.

“Almost 10,000 Aboriginal people call the Tamworth region home, and to be able to include the story and the voice of Aboriginal people within the corporate branding of the organisation is a really historic step,” councillor Marc Sutherland said.

General manager Paul Bennett said Council received community feedback in its 2022 Communications Strategy consultation for better inclusivity and respect in its communications, and the inclusion of the Aboriginal artistic element into the corporate brand is an action from that strategy.

“Council is really proud to adopt this piece of artwork, which recognizes the connection of the Kamilaroi/Gomeroi people to the Tamworth region,” Mr Bennett said.

“The project has been two years in the making, and it’s been an immersive process with Tamworth Local Aboriginal Lands Council and Council staff.”

Ms Reading’s artwork was selected after Council called for expressions of interest from  Aboriginal artists with a connection to the Kamilaroi-Gomeroi Nation to create an artistic element for inclusion in its corporate brand.

“I am honoured to have my artwork selected by Tamworth Regional Council. I am a proud Gomeroi woman and have grown up in Tamworth. It is really inspiring to see my culture represented throughout Community. This artwork depicts the land and communities that spread across the Tamworth Regional Council footprint,” Ms Reading said.

Elements of the artwork will begin to appear on Council’s letterheads, business cards, signage and uniforms in 2025.