Family, Country and storytelling come alive in Baabinje’s Backyard at Tweed Regional Gallery

A new exhibition exploring family, culture and connection to Country has opened at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, showcasing the creative partnership between Bundjalung mother and daughter Dr Bronwyn Bancroft and Ella Noah Bancroft.

Running until 25 October, Baabinje’s Backyard brings together the original illustrations from the children’s picture book of the same name, written by Ella and illustrated by her mum.

The works, created in acrylic on paper, draw on memories, family relationships and the passing of knowledge between generations.

At the heart of the exhibition is a tender reflection on intergenerational knowledge, centred on a grandmother’s love for her garden, her family and her strong connection to Country.

The themes are introduced in the book’s opening lines: “My Baabinje always had dirt under her fingernails” and “She would take me out to the backyard and say, ‘Sit, Marli. Observe and connect with the day.'”

The exhibition coincides with the release of Dr Bancroft’s 50th children’s book, marking another milestone in a career that has spanned more than five decades.

A proud Bundjalung woman, she has been publishing since 1992 and is recognised as one of the pioneering figures in Aboriginal and Australian children’s literature.

Her artistic practice encompasses painting, textiles, design, public art and illustration, with works held in significant collections including the National Gallery of Australia and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

She also received the 2026 Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2024.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Dr Bancroft is widely recognised for supporting First Nations artists and advocating for greater representation across the arts sector.

Gallery director Ingrid Hedgcock said the exhibition celebrates Dr Bancroft’s significant contribution to children’s literature while encouraging visitors to experience the story through both words and images.

“We are honoured to present this exhibition and celebrate Bronwyn’s tremendous contribution to Aboriginal and Australian children’s literature,” Hedgcock said.

“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.”

A range of free activities will accompany the exhibition, including a series of creative workshops led by Aboriginal artists Deidre Currie (Minyungbal) and Kyra Togo (Minyungbal, Tagalaka and South Sea Islands) called Art Play: Baabinje’s Backyard.

Sessions will be held from 11am to 1pm on 8, 10, 15 and 17 July.

Schools will also be able to take part in a free excursion program for preschool to year 2 students between 27 July and 14 August.

The sessions will include guided exhibition tours, yarning and art-making activities, with participating groups receiving a copy of Baabinje’s Backyard for classroom use.

Bookings are essential via the gallery’s website.

The 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.