Honey Cairns - Town Entry Statements
Honey Cairns, a local Gumbaynggirr woman, mother, and emerging artist, has created two distinct pieces for Dorrigo: Mother’s Blessing and Our People.
Guided by her bloodline totem, the owl, Honey creates powerful artworks that connect culture, Country, and community. Her work can be seen across the community — on school walls, the hospital, and public spaces throughout the region.
Each piece tells a story of strength, identity, belonging, and pride. She uses her work to educate, honour culture, and empower others, especially young Indigenous people, helping them grow up proud of who they are and where they come from.
Artwork: Mother's Blessing
Mother's Blessing reflects the core beliefs and teachings that have guided our people for generations. It is a visual story of identity, connection, and cultural law. The first teaching speaks of the deep respect we hold for trees and understanding their true value, not just for us, but for every being that depends on them. The tree stands as the Tree of Life, a reminder that all living things are connected.
The second teaching speaks to the sacredness of water. Like the tree, water gives life, and without it, nothing survives. We are taught to protect and cherish it as it flows through us.
The third teaching reminds us to respect the heavenly earth and all she offers. In the image, her hands are open, offering freedom, growth, and abundance; shown through the soaring wedge-tailed eagle, growing vines, and flowing waters. The wedge-tailed eagle is a totem of a Gumbaynggirr clan belonging to a respected Elder of Dorrigo, Uncle Cecil Briggs.
The final teaching honours the spiritual realm. The stars above are our ancestors, watching over us and walking beside us. Though unseen, this spiritual realm is always present. It reminds us we are never alone, always guided and protected.
When these four elements come together in this design, the value of a tree, the sacredness of water, respect for the earth, and the presence of spirit, the image of Mother’s Blessing is revealed. Here she rests in the flowing waters of Dorrigo with her eyes closed, as she remains in The Dreaming.
Artwork: Our People
Our People: In the centre, a ceremony takes place around a fire where people dance, sing, and share stories beneath the stars, which are our ancestors. They have their totems above them; these animals connect each person to land, ancestry, and identity, and also guide marriage, helping keep kinship strong and balanced. The Ballunga Galorn Naaru Wahl waterfall is sacred, life-giving water on Gumbaynggirr Country, as it is known to be a sacred birthing site for the Gumbaynggirr women.
Women had more nurturing roles, teaching, crafting, caring for the children, holding knowledge, and being strong leaders in both family and community. Men were known to be providers as they were hunters, trackers, and doctors. The ceremonial scars on a man’s arm marked his place and responsibility in the tribe.
The flow of this design shows the connection between all parts of Gumbaynggirr life – from ceremony and hunting, to land and water, to learning and caring. Our culture is alive and strong, and this artwork celebrates its beauty, law, and spirit. This is Our People.