An Indigenous design from a staff member will take pride of place in the Department of Human Services corporate wardrobe for 2014-15.
James Baban, who works as a Program Manager in the Indigenous Employment Strategies team in Canberra said his painting Department of Human Services Indigenous Employment Story inspired the design of a men’s tie and women’s scarf.
“My painting tells the story of the department as an employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and how we engage culturally,” said Mr Baban.
“The painting has a number of large circles to show the outreach we provide to communities and how, as a department, we are mindful of our cultural interaction.
“I’m honored my artwork has been chosen. Not only does it promote the importance of Indigenous artwork it’s also promoting the department as a culturally aware employer of Indigenous people.
“I hope our staff embrace the pieces and are proud to wear the designs to show support for Indigenous people and the important role we play in communities around the country.
“While I’m originally from Darwin, I actually began painting while I was at university in Sydney more than 25 years ago, when I was feeling homesick. Even today, art helps me stay connected to my mother’s country, the Northern Territory.”
NAIDOC Week takes place across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, the department is privileged James is able to help celebrate and share his culture with almost 35,000 staff around the country.
Mr Baban said his designs will be featured in the corporate wardrobe, plus he played the didgeridoo in a special NAIDOC Week ceremony in Canberra on 8 July 2014.
“I’m hoping that the story behind my design will encourage staff to be proud of what we do for Indigenous people and for Indigenous people to look to the Department of Human of Services as a culturally supportive work environment.”
For more information about Department of Human Services Indigenous Services visit humanservices.gov.au/indigenous
Lara Kirkpatrick, Department of Human Services
