WELCOME TO TAYLOR MADE EMPLOYMENT

In the stirring landscape of Indigenous self-determination, one initiative shines bright with a promise of renewal and resilience: the Durahrwa-Jagun Initiative. Rooted in the vision of Bundjalung owner Dean Taylor, this initiative seeks to sow the seeds of growth, healing, and cultural revival for First Nations people.

Central to the Durahrwa-Jagun Initiative is a captivating artwork, meticulously crafted by Dean Taylor. Within this artwork, each element holds layers of symbolism and significance, drawing upon the rich tapestry of Indigenous heritage and wisdom.

At its core lies a bold yellow circle, symbolising the life-giving energy of the sun. This radiant orb mirrors the transformative power of sunlight in photosynthesis, a biological marvel that sustains life on Earth. Just as plants harness light energy to grow and thrive, so too, does the Durahrwa-Jagun Initiative aspire to nurture Indigenous communities, providing them with the resources they need to flourish.

Delving deeper into the artwork, one encounters a series of brown, imperfect circles—an homage to the Bora Rings of Dean's Bundjalung ancestors. Historically used as sacred sites for ceremonial initiations, these circles represent a lineage of resilience and endurance. Despite the devastation wrought by European colonisation, the mentorship work undertaken with young Jarjums symbolises a new era of cultural preservation—one that refuses to be broken or silenced.

As the eye wanders across the canvas, it encounters a labyrinth of wavy lines, circles, and straight lines—a visual testament to the interconnectedness of land, water, and spirit. The longer wavy lines symbolise the Clarence River in Grafton.  It is the largest river in the NSW coastline and served as a lifeline for Dean's family and connection to country. Meanwhile, the yellow dots scattered throughout represent both fish—a vital source of sustenance—and the upward mobility of Indigenous communities, guided by the wisdom of their elders.

Embedded within the fabric of the artwork is the mythic landscape of Bundjalung dreamtime, a realm of ancestral stories and wisdom. Here, the middle wavy lines and smaller circles converge, weaving a tapestry of collective memory and heritage.

Yet, amidst the beauty and complexity of the artwork, there exists a poignant emptiness—the hollow brown circles that symbolise the stolen generations. These perfect, brown circles serve as a poignant reminder of the stolen generations, echoing the pain and loss inflicted upon Indigenous communities. Through his artwork, Dean Taylor seeks to honour the resilience of his ancestors while shedding light on the enduring legacy of intergenerational trauma.  For Dean Taylor, this is personal—a tribute to his late nan and countless others who were forcibly separated from their families and culture. Through his art and his work in the community, Dean endeavours to honour their stories and ensure that their voices are never forgotten.

Finally, in the corner of the canvas, one finds a motif of shifting tides—a symbol of change and renewal. For Dean Taylor, these tides represent the dawning of a new era, one defined by resilience, hope, and a commitment to forging a better future for generations to come.

In essence, the Durahrwa-Jagun Artwork  is more than just a work of art; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous resilience and the transformative power of cultural revival. Through its vibrant symbolism and poignant narrative, this initiative invites us to reimagine a world where heritage is honoured, culture is celebrated, and growth knows no bounds.