‘Buguwar’ reflects Somerset’s commitment to reconciliation
Published on 10 April 2026
Somerset Councillors Stephanie Laycock, Sally Jess, Tiara Hurley, Jinibara artist Jennifer Kent, Mayor Jason Wendt, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke and Councillors Michael Bishop and Brett Freese.
JINIBARA artist Jennifer Kent’s reconciliation art piece, ‘Buguwar’, was officially presented to Somerset Regional Council on Wednesday, 8 April in Esk.
The artwork was commissioned by Council for its Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2027, representing the local government’s collaboration with Traditional Custodians and First Nations Communities.
Jennifer explained Buguwar meant ‘fresh water’ in the Duungidjawa language.
“The artwork centres around a junction of the Brisbane River, or as we call it, Maiwar,” Jennifer said.
“This region supplies surrounding communities with precious life-giving water to sustain a population, so it’s important this area is healthy and green and blue.
“That’s what we drink and it’s who we are, it’s a really special place.
“Whenever I’m out here on country I see those blues and greens and yellows.”
The artwork includes various flora and fauna, including bunya nuts, golden wattle, eucalyptus, native bees, Mary River cod and koalas.
“It’s about having healthy djarra, which means to consume and to give back to, to breathe, to inhale and exhale – that’s what Country means to us,” Jennifer said.
“It’s important we look after it this region, and Council plays a huge role here.”
Jennifer said she was proud to have been part of the journey for Somerset Regional Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.
“I’m so proud to support Council in creating a pathway for positive relationships between our people, our kin and family, the Council and the wider community, especially in helping djarra, helping the land to receive the proper care the country needs,” Jennifer said.
Jinibara artist Jennifer Kent and Mayor Jason Wendt with ‘Buguwar’, commissioned for Somerset Regional Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was a privilege to meet Jennifer and to learn about the artwork’s story.
“Buguwar celebrates the Somerset region’s vital role as a source of life-giving water and home to rich biodiversity,” Cr Wendt said.
“As a Council, we’re dedicated to serving all of our people and preserving the cultures and traditions of people who have come before.
“We’re proud to officially receive this artwork, which reflect Council’s collaboration with Traditional Custodians and First Nations communities through our Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2027.
“The plan is another step on our path to reconciliation, and our Council is committed to working with our diverse community, including the Traditional Custodians who call Somerset home.”
Council will display the artwork at the new Toogoolawah Library and Cultural Centre when it opens in mid-2027.
To read Somerset Regional Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan visit somerset.qld.gov.au/RAP