An Apple A Day

Artist: Janeece Thompson ‘Goungee’ (Bidjara/Kara-Kara)

Region: Central West Queensland

About the Artwork

‘Goungee’ is my Aboriginal name given to me by my father on the day of my birth and it means ‘Water Lily’.

I am a very proud Bidjara/Kairia descendant and I am a fourth generation Thompson from Barcaldine on my father’s side. On my mother’s side I descend from a very strong and spiritual family of South Sea Islander people with connection to the Island of Vanuatu.

My painting depicts a future of vibrant and strong communities linked together by using, sharing and trading our natural resources such as food and medicines which are provided by Mother Earth. This is the way it has been for thousands of years and today we have much to learn from these ancient teachings. I have used both my traditional roots and my modern lifestyle to portray my message. My painting also pays respect to my totem the Emu.

As a child I remember hearing the saying; ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. The message was simple and clear. To be healthy we must eat well and exercise regularly.

The word ‘apple’ and the symbol of a red apple to me has always represented good health.

In Barcaldine we have another fruit called the Emu Apple which has significant health benefits and can be found growing naturally in our bushland.

In traditional times and even today, Indigenous people from around the world used plant and animal species found here to exist and survive.

Food sources include bush bananas, bush coconuts, wild orange, bush passionfruit, and yarns. Bush medicines are also found in this region, such as gumbi gumbi plant which is used to improve a range of ailments and the bloodwood tree produces a powerful antiseptic. These are examples of what is significant to this region.

Good health is physical, mental and spiritual. And it can all start from just ‘an apple a day’.