The ‘U’ print symbolises a person in Aboriginal iconography. The U shape is the imprint left when a person sits in the sand If you have a ‘U’ print encircling a smaller ‘U’ print, that is the symbol for a nurturing relationship, like a parent and their child, or a mentor looking after a young one. This is about relationships that raise others up.

You’ll also see lots of campfire scenes, a circle of ‘U’ prints sitting together in a peer relationship, where everyone is facing in. This symbolises belonging. Everyone has a place. Everyone has an identity. And everyone has a role.

The gumleaf is a symbol for welcome and healing. When we have smoking ceremonies, our Elders burn the leaves of the eucalypt. They do this because everyone needs to have a place, safety, belonging, hospitality. The gumleaf is a symbol to remind all of us that we need to share our welcome and be generous with others.

I struggled in this painting to find the connecting piece. Then all of a sudden I was given the image of soundwaves to represent listening. I realised that we must be listening to the sound of God’s voice. Listening to the voice of the child. Listening to the sound of our own heartbeat. If we do this, we can stay authentic, real and potent — no matter what context we find ourselves in.

To symbolise action and care I have used footprints. The many footprints describe a relationship on a journey, movement together, companionship.

The hands symbolise care. Hands on care, involvement in other people’s lives. Compassion. Interaction. And a servanthood that comes with humility. They’re trustworthy hands.

This beautiful symbol has three ‘U’ prints connected. This symbolises the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This shows the relationship between these three, which grows out to us through the footprints and the handprints that are sitting right beside this Creator, Saviour And Spirit Healer. Our relationship with this incredible God is what drives us to love and care for others.

The web of many interconnected circles represents networks and connection through community. Much like a constellation of stars or a fishing net those connections give us guidance, security and a safety net. We must remain connected. Individually we can be magnificent, but together we can be more. There is something fundamentally profound about how God connects all of us together.

I love this communal symbol of people. There are little people and older people. They have their hands in the air — there is joy in their stance and posture. They’re lifting up. They’re turning up. And they’re celebrating.