The RMA26 artwork
Each year, RMA collaborates with Indigenous artists from our conference host region to create unique branding that celebrates and honours the local Indigenous community. This tradition ensures each conference carries the authentic spirit of its place.
Meet our RMA26 artist
Our 2026 artwork, Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens), has been created by Gabriel Stengle, a proud Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, Wirangu and Kaurna woman. Drawing inspiration from the central role of culture in health, the piece honours Kaurna Country, celebrates Aboriginal leadership, and reflects the importance of collaboration across rural Australia.
The Story Behind the Artwork
“On Kaurna country where the land holds the memory of footsteps long before ours, people gather for the rural health conference. They arrive from rural towns, coastal communities and remote regions each bringing lived experience, knowledge and shared commitment to improving health outcomes across Australia.
Throughout the artwork the waterholes sit strong and purposeful. They represent communities, places of gathering, healing, learning and belonging. Each Circle reflects a unique rule or remote community grounded in its own strengths and stories. Connecting them are the flowing journey lines symbolising the pathways people travel patient seeking care, professionals serving community and leaders walking together toward reconciliation and equity. These lines honour both physical journeys across country and the deeper journey of shared understanding and partnership.
The striking blue elements represent Karrawirra Pari the River Torrens a significant waterway on Kaurna country. Like the river, knowledge and connection flow through this gathering. Karrawirra Pari sustains life, carries stories, and links places together. In the same way the rural health conference connects communities, disciplines and cultures. The blue movement through the Piece reflects renewal, continuity and the life giving role of water, reminding us that health like a river must flow freely and reach every community.
The coolamons embedded within the design represent Aboriginal women and honor their roles as cultural leaders, narrative holders, nurtures and healers. For generations Aboriginal women have carried knowledge life and responsibility within community. The coolamon symbolizes respect for their leadership and acknowledges that true health and well-being are strengthened through the wisdom, care and guidance of women.
The kangaroo tracks move steadily across the canvas representing Kaurna country and the presence of the traditional custodians. They also symbolize Rural Health’s ongoing journey, always moving forward guided by purpose and accountability. The tracks speak to Perseverance resilience and a collective commitment to Reconciliation. Reconciliation is not a single Moment by a continuous path walked together with respect and action.
The earthy ochres ground the artwork in country reflecting connection to land, while the meeting places reflect networking and professional development. Within these spaces ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed and learning grow stronger. The conference becomes more than an event it becomes a gathering of shared responsibility.
The story honours culture as Central to health. It recognizes Kaurna country celebrates Aboriginal leadership, and affirms the importance of collaboration across rural Australia.
Together like the steady flow of Karrawirra Pari the journey continues, connected, respectful and striving forward toward reconciliation and health for all..”
This beautiful artwork brings the authentic beauty of Kaurna country to RMA26, creating a visual celebration that honours both place and community.
We hope you love it as much as we do!
