G8 Education’s Reconciliation Action Plan
G8 Education launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan in February 2024, which features artwork created by award-winning Indigenous artist Elaine Chambers‑Hegarty.
G8 Education’s vision for reconciliation is an Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledge are valued and our true, shared history is known and sincerely acknowledged.
We strive to walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards reconciliation; actively listening, learning and collaborating with our communities to build genuine unity.
As educators of Australia’s children of today and tomorrow, we believe we have a responsibility to educate our next generations on our true shared history and build an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives through authentic community relationships.
About the artwork
Artist Elaine described the artwork as:
“The central piece or the ‘heart’ of the G8 Education artwork represents children. The two small U-shape motifs symbolise children, as they are the main focus of everything G8 Education does. The dots around the children represent learning and growth – as the children interact with each other and the environment around them. The U-shapes in the broader ring represent people – these are the G8 educators, parents, families and community that surround and support the child in their development.
The rainbow colour palette of the people in this circle was selected to represent the 21 brands that sit within G8 across Australia. The rainbow also represents the diversity, uniqueness and the colourful characteristics of each centre.
The patterning behind this circle of people represents the core values of G8 Education – passion, innovation, dedication, compassion and integrity – as these guide every interaction between G8 educators and children, families and the broader community.
The red colour, taken directly from the G8 Education brand, has been incorporated into the centre of the artwork. This builds the foundations for the rest of the artwork colour palette to compliment and contrast.
The different patterning and markings throughout the piece highlight growth and progress with the crosshatching work highlighting connections. The circles throughout the piece highlight the connectivity of people and place, through the interwoven pathways.
The geographical reach of G8 Education is also highlighted in the colour palette ranging from yellows and browns for regional centres, greens and purples for urban centres and blue tones for coastal centres. These locations of urban, regional and coastal have also been symbolised by specific motifs.
The message stick motif throughout the artwork represents knowledge, the U-shape motif represents G8 educators and the heart-shaped motif represents learning and care between the educators and children.”
About the artist
Elaine Chambers‑Hegarty
Elaine Chambers‑Hegarty is an award-winning Indigenous Artist and Graphic Designer from Cultural Edge Designs. Elaine’s experience spans more than 30 years in the graphic design and print media industry.
Elaine is a proud Kuku Yalanji and Koa woman who comes from a highly respected family of artists and cultural educators with strong ties to the Cherbourg community in the South Burnett region of Queensland.