Bronwyn Bancroft, Baabinje's Backyard, 2025, acrylic on paper, 75 x 110 cm. Collection of the artist. © Bronwyn Bancroft
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre presents Baabinje's Backyard, a vibrant and deeply personal exhibition celebrating family, Country and storytelling through the collaborative work of acclaimed Bundjalung mother and daughter, Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft AM and Ella Noah Bancroft.
On display from 12 June to 25 October 2026, with free entry, the exhibition showcases the original artworks from the children's picture book Baabinje's Backyard, illustrated by Dr Bancroft and written by her daughter, Ella Noah Bancroft. Painted in acrylic on paper and alive with colour and pattern, the works offer a tender reflection on intergenerational knowledge, centered on a grandmother's love for her garden, her family and her connection to Country.
"My Baabinje always had dirt under her fingernails," the book begins.
"She would take me out to the backyard and say, 'Sit, Marli. Observe and connect with the day.'"
That quiet instruction, to sit and pay attention, runs through every painting in the exhibition.
This exhibition marks a significant milestone in Dr. Bancroft's extraordinary career, coinciding with the release of her 50th children's book. A pioneering figure in Aboriginal and Australian children's literature, she has been publishing since 1992, a time when very few Aboriginal writers and illustrators were working in the field. She has played a vital role in shaping contemporary First Nations storytelling and creating space for Aboriginal voices in publishing and visual culture.
Rubyrose Bancroft, Bronwyn Bancroft, Ella Bancroft - FNACA 2026 Awards. Photo Stephen Wilson Barker.
A proud Bundjalung woman and artist, Dr. Bancroft's practice spans more than five decades and includes painting, textiles, design, public art and book illustration. Her work is held in major national and international collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Bronwyn was recently awarded the prestigious 2026 Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence. In 2024, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to the arts and the Indigenous community.
Beyond her prolific artistic career, Dr. Bancroft is a respected mentor, advocate and leader, committed to advancing opportunities for First Nations artists and strengthening representation across the creative industries.
Baabinje's Backyard invites audiences of all ages to engage with storytelling rooted in care, observation and connection, offering a visually rich and culturally meaningful experience for families, educators and the broader community.
"We are honoured to present this exhibition and celebrate Bronwyn's tremendous contribution to Aboriginal and Australian children's literature. We hope visitors of all ages enjoy this exhibition as a giant book - observing the paintings by Bronwyn and reading the text by Ella as they move through the show," Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock said.
Public programs
A series of free, family-friendly programs will accompany the exhibition, encouraging hands-on creative engagement and cultural learning.
Art Play: Baabinje's Backyard Wednesday 8, Friday 10, Wednesday 15 and Friday 17 July, from 11 am to 1 pm. Free.
Create wearable artworks inspired by the exhibition in sessions led by local Aboriginal artists Deidre Currie (Minyungbal) and Kyra Togo (Minyungbal, Tagalaka and South Sea Islands). No bookings required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Supported by Friends of the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre Inc.
Excursion opportunity: Preschool to Year 2 27 July to 14 August 2026. Free, bookings essential.
Schools are invited to guided sessions featuring an exhibition tour, yarning and artmaking, led by Deidre Currie and Kyra Togo. Each group receives a copy of Baabinje's Backyard to support classroom learning. Bookings via the Gallery website.
This project is supported by Create NSW's Audience Development Fund, a devolved funding program administered by Museums & Galleries of NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.
Baabinje's Backyard is published by Hardie Grant Children's Publishing. The exhibition is a Tweed Regional Gallery initiative.
Exhibition details Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre 12 June to 25 October 2026. Free entry
