News from the Student RAP Committee
Aunty Ivy Minniecon is an Indigenous artist based in Brisbane, whose creative practice is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and a commitment to uplifting others. Aunty Ivy’s leadership is evident in her decision to use the proceeds from the sale of two of her artworks to support a group of Sydney-based Aboriginal women’s attendance at an International Indigenous Women’s conference in Canada later this year, an experience that promises to be transformative.
Aunty Ivy Minniecon is a proud descendant of the Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng, and South Sea Islander peoples. Born in Lowmead, Queensland, Aunty Ivy was later drawn to her Mother’s Country at Mossman, where she deepened her connection to her ancestral lands. Her art reflects this connection, particularly her mastery of Kuku Yalanji weaving, a skill passed down to her by the esteemed knowledge keeper Romona Baird. Click here to see some of Aunty Ivy’s work.
The traditional fibre skirts Aunty Ivy creates, using materials gathered from Country, are so much more than just garments. They are living stories, holding the memories and identities of her people. Aunty Ivy takes these skirts through a unique process of mono-printing onto paper, capturing their movement. The woven grasses in these prints resemble both vessels and veins, symbolising the link between the wearer and their ancestors. These artworks act as a bridge to ceremonial traditions, highlighting the important role of the wearer as a keeper of knowledge within the community.
For Aunty Ivy, art is not just about personal expression but about healing and revitalising cultural practices that colonisation once threatened. Through weaving and printmaking, she reclaims and reinvigorates traditions, linking art, identity, and wellbeing. As Ivy herself has said, “Weaving is attached to healing and wellbeing, and my practice speaks of holistic ideas of art and culture being linked intrinsically to our identity”.
Conferences such as the International Indigenous Women’s conference in Canada are vital, providing a platform for Indigenous women from around the world to share knowledge, advocate for their rights, and strengthen their leadership in international arenas. The event will focus on themes such as honouring relationships, embracing Indigenous perspectives, and advancing human rights for Indigenous women globally.
The Student RAP Committee is rallying behind Aunty Ivy’s initiative, pledging to professionally frame two of her artworks, a move that will maximise their fundraising potential. Students in the Committee are organising a Walkathon at Centennial Park this Sunday 18 May, 9am-10.30am meeting at the Paddington Gates, SCEGGS teachers will be present to supervise. The students, their families, friends, and their dogs will walk together to raise funds for the framing, with every dollar helping to cover the travel and accommodation costs for the women attending the conference. Any extra funds raised will go directly to this cause, making a real difference in the lives of First Nations women in our community.
How you can help
We invite everyone in our school community to get involved:
- Join the Walkathon at Centennial Park on Sunday morning (18 May). Please meet at the Paddington Gates at 9am, rain or shine!
- Click on the fundraising link and make a donation – no amount is too small.
- Share the story and encourage friends and family to support this life-changing initiative for our local Aboriginal community.
Let us walk together in support of Aunty Ivy Minniecon and the inspiring First Nations women she is empowering.
Matilda Tatlow (Year 7) and the Student RAP Committee
