We commissioned Rebecca Salcole, artist and proud Wiradjuri woman to create an artwork. It tells a powerful story of resilience, adaptation, and interconnectedness in the face of disasters.
This is one element of our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). It's one of the actions we’re taking towards reconciliation as an agency. Our first RAP was released during National Reconciliation Week 2025.
‘Danbang’ (dun-bung), the Wiradjuri word for alive, fresh and strong, is a vibrant and intricate depiction of the diverse range of emergency scenarios that occur across Australia. It emphasises the profound impact these events have on both our environment and our communities. The piece captures the resilience and strength of communities as they navigate through the challenges caused by emergency scenarios. It shows them emerging stronger and more connected in the aftermath.
We're represented at the heart of the artwork, symbolising our central role in disaster response and recovery. The artwork also shows the essential connections we foster between communities, state and local governments, and various organisations during emergencies. These connections are shown by meeting places around the edges of the disasters. These signify the collaboration and unity that emerge during crisis situations.
The colours in the artwork are chosen to show each element visually. And to evoke the emotional and environmental impact of each disaster.
Hover over the artwork to learn more about the different hazards and themes represented (only available on desktop).
The artwork captures disasters, including heatwaves, floods, bushfires, severe storms, coastal erosion and cyclones. As well as emerging risks such as space weather, health emergencies, and cyber threats. Communities are shown as being embedded within these disasters. Yet their resilience is highlighted through their interconnectedness and ability to recover. This is represented in the artwork through boomerangs, symbolising the return of communities after disaster and the concept of 'building back better'.
Rebecca Salcole, Artist.
Growing up on Country along the Murrumbidgee River in Wagga Wagga, Southern New South Wales, instilled in Rebecca a deep connection to Country and a profound respect for the environment.
This artwork is deeply personal for Rebecca, rooted in her own experiences with the realities of disasters in Australia. She lived through bushfires in Canberra and cyclones in Townsville. This exposed her to the far-reaching impacts of these disasters on all communities. Particularly First Nations peoples.
Many symbols in this artwork represent common themes. Some symbols are traditional (used by First Nations groups) and some are interpretive (created to represent specific themes, based on traditional styles and symbols).
