CUC Mount Isa Unveils New Cultural Welcome Mural During NAIDOC Week

CUC Mount Isa proudly unveiled a new culturally significant mural during NAIDOC Week, celebrating local First Nations culture, connection and education through the work of Kalkadoon artist Barbara Sam.

CUC Mount Isa invited Expressions of Interest from local Kalkadoon artists to create a mural that would provide a culturally welcoming entrance to the Centre. Artists were encouraged to draw inspiration from local culture and history, while reflecting themes of truth-telling in education, respect, cultural safety, cultural awareness, and the celebration of Indigenous culture and language.

The project also aimed to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and support educational aspirations across the region.

Barbara Sam was selected as the successful artist, creating a striking and culturally rich artwork that now welcomes students, visitors and community members at the entrance to CUC Mount Isa. Her piece captures the spirit of connection, learning and cultural pride that underpins the Centre’s work.

For CUC Mount Isa, the mural is more than a piece of public art—it is a visible expression of belonging. Since opening, the Centre has supported 428 students, including 104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. By welcoming local culture into the heart of the Centre, the artwork helps create a space where students, families and community members can feel safe, represented and connected throughout their educational journey.

L to R: Sean Bower – Centre Manager, Darrin Mackenzie – Board Member, Nick Donker – Board Member, Barbara Sam – Kalkadoon Artist, Mayor Peta MacRae, CUC Mount Isa Chair, Hon Robbie Katter – Member for Traeger.

The official opening of the artwork was held during NAIDOC Week, bringing together community members, Elders, staff and students to celebrate the occasion.

Local Elder Warren King delivered a heartfelt Welcome and reflected on 50 years of NAIDOC, highlighting the central role that art and culture have played in fostering connection, understanding and opportunity. His address included a powerful call for continued connection, respect and shared learning.

Barbara Sam also spoke about the artistic journey behind the mural, sharing insights into the creative process and the personal resilience required to complete such a significant work during a challenging period in her life.

“Working with Barbara was about much more than creating a piece of artwork. Through our conversations and time spent together, I gained valuable insights into the community, its strengths, and Barbara’s hopes and dreams for local young people.”

 

“The mural is a lasting reminder of the importance of listening, learning and building opportunities together.”

CUC Mount Isa Centre Manager Sean Bower said the project had been a privilege to be part of, with the mural now standing as a powerful symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the region and the shared commitment to creating pathways to opportunity for local communities.

About the Artist

Barbara Sam

Barbara Sam is a local artist born in Mount Isa and a proud member of the Kalkadoon clan group.

Barbara attributes her passion for art to her upbringing in the local community. Her works are created using both traditional and contemporary colours applied with various techniques, overlaid with detailed linear markings.

Through her work, Barbara explores the notion of creation, using subjects from the natural environment she observed growing up in the bush. Barbara uses flora and fauna as a vehicle to express metaphysical themes.

As a skilled artist, Barbara was selected to provide several artworks for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, supported by the Kalkadoon Tribal Council, and for Australian Parliament in Canberra.

She also has a wealth of experience, with exhibitions and works featured through Logan Art Gallery, Mardine Library Gallery, Butter Factory Gallery, Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Logan City Council, Kalkadoon Community Pty Ltd, Outback at Isa, various Mount Isa organisations, private collectors and the local community.

All of Barbara’s works are identified by her simple signature, “SAM”.

CUC Mount Isa Centre Manager Sean Bower said the project had been a privilege to be part of, with the mural now standing as a powerful symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the region and the shared commitment to creating pathways to opportunity for local communities.

Barbara Sam – Kalkadoon Artist. This artwork was commissioned by CUC Mount Isa, taking inspiration from local culture, history and truth-telling, while celebrating the rich Indigenous culture within the community.