To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV) engaged The Torch on a new commission by artist and AHV client Flick Chafer-Smith. Inspired by this years NAIDOC theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, this newly commissioned work is a vibrant celebration of cultural knowledge and resilience.
Flick shared the meaning behind this beautiful artwork:
“At the heart of the piece are two meeting circles-one for Women’s Business and one for Men’s Business. Each is sacred and separate, representing the deep respect and cultural protocols we hold for each space. The repeated, echoing lines flowing from the circles symbolise the knowledge that’s been shared and passed down through generations. The small red dots on the men’s circle and purple dots on the women’s circle represent our young people. They’re placed on top of the knowledge lines, showing that we raise our youth with strength, pride, and cultural grounding.
The sun stands for our survival – each day is another day we continue to push forward, strong in the face of colonisation and intergenerational trauma. Waterways weave through the painting because they’re essential to our culture – they nourish us, keep Country alive, and reflect our own strength and flow. They must always be respected and protected Finally, the spirits and footprints circling the whole piece represent our Ancestors. We carry their wisdom, and our journey continues, always guided by what’s been passed down.”
Flick is a Ngarrindjeri artist and staff member at The Torch who draws inspiration from moments in her childhood and stories that have been passed down to her to carry on her journey. Flick’s intentional geometric, tessellated artworks draw on traditional and contemporary influences that engage the audience and leaves a lasting impression. It is through her artwork that Flick remains connected to her family back on Country, and continually learning about her culture.
We invite you to take time this NAIDOC Week to connect with community and reflect on the strength, resilience and tenacity of First Nations people. Visit NAIDOC events including The Torch’s exhibition We Sit in Circle, presented in partnership with Queen Victoria Women’s Centre 1–18 July, or Aboriginal Housing Victoria’s Family Day on 10 July, 10:30–2:30pm.
Interested in commissioning an artwork from The Torch? Our team are here to help and always looking for opportunities for artists. Read more and contact us, email artcoordinator@thetorch.org.au or call (03) 9042 1236.