By mid-2024 it seemed apparent that Toowoomba First Nations Allies had a future as an active group and that a logo would be appropriate as a visual representation of the group. Cheryl Moggs, a Bigambul woman and artist (Tarmunggie), was engaged to develop a suitable logo.
Cheryl met with a small group of members to talk about TFNA, its origins and directions. She then took some time to reflect on those conversations before painting her proposed logo design on canvas. The images below are a scan of Cheryl’s original image and a digitised version that Cheryl has confirmed as an appropriate representation.
Cheryl also developed the description that appears below and attended a meeting of TFNA to explain her design. During that session she encouraged the group to find a word or words to accompany the image. A subsequent meeting agreed that Listening – Learning – Connecting conveyed the intent of the group.
Symbolic narratives: Shapes
Circle
The circle represents people coming together, a meeting place, Country, home, waterhole, celebration, ceremonial site and a place for yarning (Yarning Circle).
In First Nations Culture the circle is seen as continuous worldviews. That consist of seeing people in a physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual being, connected to land, waterways, night sky and kinships-family. As One!
This circle builds and strengthens respectful relationships through, understanding, unity and balance. It’s a way to tell stories, passing down knowledge, creating a safe place to speak without judgement for a common cause.
Providing stability and support as we hold each other together. It represents unity. It’s an all embracing hug.
The U
The U shapes represent people sitting around the circle. The dots inside the U shapes are generations of people who have come together to make change, to give voice to others. Working together to maintain the dignity and worth of each human being.
Water
Is part of First Nations Creation, the Dreaming, ancestral beings that dwell in waterways. It is central to culture, spirituality, caring for Country, bush tucker, language and lore. Connecting all people to communities, land and each other.
Bunya Nut
Representing the Bunya gathering. A ceremony that First Nations travelled across traditional lands to take part in. A time for sharing, following cultural practices and lore. Taking part in initiations, trade, stories, dance, settling disputes and sharing the foods of the Bunya Nut. This symbol also represents the First Nations people who live and have connection to Toowoomba. The dots around the Bunya Nut represent the seeds of growth and change.
Colour narratives: Colours
Colour expresses cultural identity, practices, knowledge, story, spiritual beliefs, and connection to ancestors and Country. Reflecting layers of meaning, symbolism and visual language, depicting multiple layers.
Purple
A symbol of hope, harmony making a difference. We work together to maintain the dignity and worth of each human being. A colour that unites people, an interconnectedness of share common goals for making the world a better place. A symbol of love, solidarity and resilience across communities and worldwide.
A symbol of knowledge, spiritual connection with Country.
Red/orange
Represents the blood that has been spilt on both sides of the battles associated with colonization and the years followed. It also evokes the colour of the earth of Toowoomba and represents love and passion to this place. It also represents the colour of the sun, the giver of life to people, country, waterways and the Bunya Nut.
It is fierce and energetic, filled with enthusiasm, excitement, confidence, warmth, with a sense of boldness.
Green
A symbol of Country, growth and development. Our goal is to grow in mutual understanding and to show respect for Country.
A new beginning, new growth, rebirth and renewal.