A journey of commitment to Australia’s First Nations peoples
2 June 2025
The Australian Embassy Thailand has a new vibrant First Nations public artwork titled ‘A Journey of Commitment’ by Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna artist Ms Brooke Rigney-Lively. Her design features striking colours and Indigenous elements, illuminating the importance of meeting, listening and working together.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Dr Angela Macdonald PSM said the artwork installation coincides with Australia’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which is marked annually from 27 May to 3 June.
“We are honoured to showcase Brooke’s beautiful work front and centre at our embassy here in Bangkok,” she said.
“First Nations people were Australia’s first diplomats. Their perspectives, experiences and interests are central to the work by our embassy today, and for many others worldwide.”
NRW focuses on strengthening respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The dates coincide with anniversaries of Australia’s 1967 referendum and 1992 Mabo decision.
In the 1967 referendum, the public voted to change the Constitution so that like all Australians, Indigenous peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them. With almost 91 per cent of ‘yes’ votes, it was the most successful referendum in Australia’s history.
The Mabo decision refers to a landmark case in the High Court of Australia, led by Edward Koiki ‘Eddie’ Mabo, which established the principle of native title rights in Australian law.
This year’s NRW theme ‘Bridging now to next’, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Ms Rigney-Lively said, “Reconciliation Week and the concept of it is deeply rooted in truth telling, while we reflect this week on the path ahead it is important for us to consider and reflect on the journey so far; what hasn’t worked, true robust truth telling, alongside the progress so far.
“Acknowledging this journey and being honest about where our country is at currently is the only way to bridge from now to next."
'A Journey of Commitment' is always visible and accessible to the public, located in front of the Australian Embassy Thailand at 181 Soi ArunMcKinnon, Wireless Rd, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.
Click here for Thai version