News
Confined 16 Awards Winners
The Torch is proud to announce the winners of this year’s Confined 16 Awards, recognising the incredible talent and growth of First Nations artists participating in The Torch’s In-Prison and In-Community programs. These awards highlight artistic excellence, cultural storytelling, and personal growth, supporting artists in their creative and professional journeys. 🎨 2025 Confined 16 Award
Artists Alisha F and Roey Design Sir Doug Nicholls Round Boots for Geelong Cats
Wadawurrung artist Alisha F and Warumungu/Yawuru artist Roey have created stunning bespoke Sir Doug Nicholls Round boots as part of a commission for Geelong Cats players. These unique designs honour the legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions to the AFL. A Special Connection to Country and Club Indigenous Arts Officer Paul Kelly helped
‘Bridge Now to Next’ this Reconciliation Week
“I challenged the jury system of Australia. I asked that I be judged by my peers and your peers as your equals. I asked to have some Aboriginal people on my jury. One lawyer said that I wasn’t black enough to be black and the other lawyer said that I wasn’t white enough to be
Takariliya – Thelma Beeton’s first solo exhibition
We are thrilled to announce Takariliya — meaning “family”, the first solo exhibition of Palawa artist Thelma Beeton. Launching on Thursday 17 April, at Fitzroy Library and running until 20 July 2025. This exhibition centres on her maternal family, starting with her grandparents and extending to her great-nephew. It is a testament to Thelma’s dedication
Anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
The personal stories shared through artworks offer a moving counterpoint to the dehumanising statistics often associated with the anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Today, we invite you to reflect on some of the artworks and stories presented in Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience, and remember that behind every number is
Closing The Widening Gap | How to Respond to Alarming Statistics
One year after our last article on National Closing The Gap Day and only 4 of the 19 Closing The Gap targets are on track. This is a disappointing drop from last year and highlights the ongoing serious disparities faced by First Nations people in Australia’s legal system. The Closing The Gap 2024 report released
Celebrating First Nations Women | International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is an important day to not only celebrate the remarkable women who inspire us daily—whether they’re artists in our program, Elders, Aunties, mothers, sisters, daughters, or friends—it is also a time to stand together in the fight for gender equity and justice. This year’s theme ‘Accelerate Action’ urges us to push forward,
Brodie Peters-Godden joins the team as First Nations Trainee – Operations Support
The Torch is delighted to welcome Nari Nari/Wemba Wemba artist Brodie Peters-Godden to the team as First Nations Trainee – Operations Support. Brodie Peters-Godden is a proud Nari Nari/Wemba Wemba man who grew up in Mildura. Since joining The Torch’s program in 2023, Brodie has embarked on a transformative journey, overcoming significant challenges and is
New mural at Bulleen Park & Ride
This week Artists Sean Miller (Gamilaroi people), Ash Thomas (Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri people), and Jeza (Yorta Yorta/Wemba Wemba people) completed an amazing new mural at Bulleen Park and Ride! This large-scale mural pays tribute to the rich cultural significance of the area which has long served as a passageway for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. Traditionally, Wurundjeri
Agency’s ‘Tiny and Precious’ exhibition
We’re excited to share that Daniel JC (Darug people) and Thelma Beeton (Palawa people) will be presenting artworks in Agency’s ‘Tiny and Precious’ exhibition (19 February – 28 March 2025). This exhibition shines a spotlight on works by independent and remote First Nations artists from across the country and features interpretive works from small scale