The Healthy Ways Campaign features the artwork ‘Gathering’ by Aunty Edna Ambrym.

Edna Ambrym, a proud Gunggandji and Kuku Yalanji woman, is a renowned artist from the Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct. Born in Cairns in 1967 and raised in Yarrabah, she belongs to the Gunggandji tribe on her mother’s side and the Eastern Kuku Yalanji on her father’s side.

Her language name is Wangullay (white cockatoo), reflecting her deep connection to her cultural heritage.

As a master gatherer, Edna’s artistry is profoundly inspired by the traditional knowledge passed down from her elders, learning how to hunt and gather from her old people. This knowledge, deeply embedded in her culture, informs her work across various mediums, including painting, screen printing, and ceramics.

Her vibrant art reflects the stories and experiences she gathered during her childhood in Yarrabah, blending the rich narratives of her people with her strong sense of colour and design.

Through her practice, she honours the traditions of her ancestors while creating contemporary expressions of Indigenous life and identity.

The artwork ‘Gathering’ celebrates the rich food traditions in Indigenous culture, using bush foods to nourish their bodies, nurture the land and gather with family.