Brushstrokes of Legacy: IPS Marks NAIDOC Week with Aboriginal Art Session

Staff at IPS Management Consultants swapped their keyboards for paintbrushes today as part of a NAIDOC Week celebration that brought culture, creativity and community into focus.

The Aboriginal art session, led by respected Aboriginal Hall of Fame Artist Lesley Murray, alongside three other Aboriginal artists and storytellers, tied into this year’s NAIDOC Week theme — “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy – 50 Years of NAIDOC Week.”

“We’ve come together to make sure everyone has a positive experience with Aboriginal art,” Ms Murray said.

“This session was about finding togetherness and continuing our journey towards reconciliation.”

“The ultimate objective today was for everyone to reflect on their legacy — their connection to culture and what message they want to bring into the world for their family and community.”

NAIDOC, which stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, began as a movement in the 1930s, when Aboriginal leaders organised the Day of Mourning to protest the treatment and exclusion of First Nations people.
​
By the 1970s, it had evolved into a week-long celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements, recognised across Australia.

At the IPS-led art session, the focus was on creative expression and cultural healing — a chance to pause and step away from technology to reconnect with self and story.

“I use art with my children — it’s where I can ground myself,” said IPS Aboriginal staff Shaquille McKenzie.

“It’s a way to get away from everything going on in life and just sit, reflect, and think about growing up and where I’ve come from.”

“I’m really enjoying it and loving the fact that we’re all doing this together.”

​The session explored the significance of art as a way of imparting knowledge around Aboriginal culture.

It also touched on the ongoing inter-generational trauma of the Stolen Generations and reflected on how art can serve as a healing and educational tool — fostering deeper connection, intergenerational dialogue, and cultural continuity.

“We only get one week a year to celebrate our culture, but we walk in our shoes every day,” said Ms Murray.

“Events like this help people reconnect — not just with culture, but with their inner child."

​"It helps us reset, cope better, and support our mental health.”

IPS Executive Director, Cameron Wood (above photo, left), a Noongar man, said the event was a valuable way to strengthen team bonding and deepen cultural awareness.

“We were very privileged to hear from some of our Elders,” he said.

“It was inspiring — not just to listen, but to express ourselves through art.”
​
"It was a really powerful way of bringing the team together.”
​