The artwork by Anthony Cora, a Minjungbal / Bundjalung and Dunghutti man from Tweed Heads, titled Coastal Connection, can be seen on the Pacific Motorway north of Pimpama in Yugambeh Country.
It's the first NRMA Insurance First Nations billboard in Queensland and was designed to create awareness and help drivers connect with the land as they pass through and contribute to a proud and shared national identity for all Australians, while reminding everyone to drive safely on the roads.
Anthony Cora said he hopes his artwork helps to unite cultures and to bring a greater understanding around our Aboriginal culture and people.
"Through my involvement in traditional dance groups, I have learnt a lot about my culture through songs, stories, lore and protocols, and so it was a natural progression to express myself through traditional artwork," Mr Cora said.
"The artwork chosen for the NRMA Insurance billboard is based on the many different rivers and beaches that the Gold Coast is well-known for and the bond that people form with each other while here. It also represents the physical and spiritual connection that people gain to different areas of the Gold Coast."
NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager for Safer Communities, Ramana James, said the artworks are a great way for people to learn more about the traditional lands they're driving through, and the 50,000-plus years of First Nations history and heritage in Queensland.
"As we continue to look closer to home for weekends away and holidays, our roads are busier than ever," Mr James said.
"The NRMA Insurance First Nations billboard on the Gold Coast is designed to create awareness and help drivers connect with Yugambeh Country as they pass through and contribute to a proud and shared national identity for all Australians, while reminding everyone to drive safely on the roads."
Nine other First Nations billboards can already be seen on roads around New South Wales. NRMA Insurance is a proud supporter of First Nations communities and the Reconciliation movement in Australia. In February 2021, NRMA Insurance parent company IAG celebrated two years since the launch of its Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which commits to providing employment and internship opportunities for First Nations people and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
NRMA Insurance First Nations billboard locations (QLD and NSW)
