At RMHC Australia, we respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, skies and waterways on which we gather today. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We celebrate the resilience and strength of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, the next generation of storytellers, Custodians, and leaders. We are honoured to support and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including families with ill or injured children, so together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for every child.
We are very proud to share that we have formal endorsement for our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) from Reconciliation Australia.
Everyone at Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia is committed to our Reflect RAP as a foundation to further deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples’ cultures and needs.
Mali Isabel’s artwork ‘Our Safe Sanctuary’ was created to tell the story of the Ronald McDonald House Charity and its impact on the families that become a part of their journey. In soft pastel rainbow hues, each colour on the canvas represents the diversity of families from different walks of life who seek and find comfort and support from the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The background flows across the canvas in a pattern reminiscent of rays of sunshine, symbolising the hope, positivity, clarity, confidence, and power the Ronald McDonald House Charity instils in the families they support by offering a warm and supportive home where families can stay together.
The largest meeting place at the base of the artwork embodies the Ronald McDonald Houses all over Australia and the charity. This meeting place is what gives the artwork its name, Our Safe Sanctuary, because this is what the houses represent to so many families with children suffering from an illness or injury. Across the canvas, smaller meeting places are scattered, representing the diverse communities, families, individuals impacted and supported by the charity.
Throughout Our Safe Sanctuary, animal and human tracks are used to represent both new and old families becoming a part of the journey, while conveying the message that every family is welcome. Golden star symbols are scattered throughout, symbolising the guiding light and compassion of the Ronald McDonald House Charity volunteers and staff, as well as the support and companionship of other families who are navigating a similar journey.
At its heart, Our Safe Sanctuary tells the story a home-away-from-home, offering hope, comfort, compassion, and support to families in their time of greatest need.
Through her combination of traditional dot painting, her hallmark use of colour, and contemporary style, Mali creates bright and magical artworks that aim to spread joy and positivity, encourage meaningful conversations, and share personal stories and worldly experiences.
About our Artist
Mali Isabel is a proud Arabana and Kokatha woman, living and creating on Kaurna land (Adelaide), Australia. As a contemporary Aboriginal artist, Mali uses her vibrant artwork to connect communities, promote cultural understanding, and inspire joy through her distinctive style.
