Connections to Country

Aunty Bridgette Chilli is a Traditional Owner. She identifies as a Murulla Jhdungah woman – which sits within the Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Nation. Her artwork represents maps of Country with the songlines and pathways of her old ones, maintaining and keeping connection strong. Her greatest inspiration is sharing her knowledge to empower future generations to learn, understand, and protect our land, sea and sky. As part of her commitment to reconciliation, the art she creates helps to bridge the gap – ‘we all share Country now, and caring for Country is everyone’s business’.

Bridgette has been painting for over 20 years and her artwork can be found in private collections around the world. Raised by her Grandmother, Bridgette carries a strong ongoing connection with her culture; this includes language, medicine, traditional healing, and art. Bridgette also delivers memorable immersive Walk on Country experiences which highlight her cultural landscape with Traditional Welcomes, song and smoking ceremonies.

Titled “Connections to Country,” this powerful piece is an aerial map of part of the Jhdungah Country, Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Nation, now known as the Sunshine Coast. It centres around the Mooloolah River, which Aunty Bridgette calls the Blood Water; it’s the ancient songline that gives the Murulla people their identity.

“My old grandmothers… my great, great, great, great grandmothers, the women… actually sang life into this river. All connecting to the ancient ancestors in the stars. This also flows out to Sea Country.” – Aunty Bridgette

This painting is more than artwork, it is a living document; a map that Aunty Bridgette considers a gift, a message passed on to GoTransit, and future generations.

The ancient pathways that connect us in the map still exist today as they did for our ancestors.

Every detail in the painting carries deep cultural meaning:

• The Mooloolah River (Bhdumgum): The white winding line through the centre represents the Blood Water, a sacred pathway that connects to Sea Country.

• The Milky Way: Above the river lies a celestial layer. The star-like clusters and smoky shading signify the resting place of ancestors. Campfires burning at night as they watch over and protect.

• Coloured Circles:

  • Blue: Men’s Business

  • Pink: Women’s Business

  • Yellow: Community – where all paths cross and the entire community meets.

  • Green: Sacred Ceremony Sites – special places of cultural ritual, learning, and connection.

• White Pathways: These intricate lines are pathways connect all places and people, symbolising interconnectedness. They also represent GoTransit’s own transit pathways that help bring communities together, physically and spiritually.

• Yhybini & Yhinni Yhinni:  Represent the spirit ancestors, watching over us.