Celebrating First Nations heritage: A moving canvas of culture and community connection rolls through Townsville

Culture is Life. These powerful words by renowned Aboriginal artist Gavin Kum Sing capture the spirit behind Kinetic's latest bus wrap now travelling the streets of Townsville. As part of our long-term association with the Garbutt Magpies, this moving artwork transforms public transport into a moving celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Our collaboration with the Garbutt Magpies extends far beyond the footy field. While we proudly support the annual Garbutt Magpies Cup, our partnership encompasses the club's broader mission of community building and cultural connection.

The Garbutt Magpies serve the local community as more than a sporting club – they're a bridge between generations, introducing young local kids to intergenerational role models and preserving cultural knowledge through sport and community activities.

Songlines That Tell Stories

The new bus wrap features distinctive motifs, each telling part of a greater cultural narrative through traditional Indigenous artistic techniques. These aren't just decorative elements – they're songlines, the ancient paths across the land that record the creation stories and cultural knowledge of First Nations peoples. 

The Artist: Gavin Kum Sing

Behind this powerful artwork is Gavin Kum Sing, a Juru/Wulgurukaba and Arragan Leader, Elder, and Warrior whose cultural connections span from Bundaberg to Torres Strait, across to Mt Isa and Cloncurry. With over 26 years' experience working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Gavin brings profound cultural knowledge to his art.

Gavin's professional life has been dedicated to advancing the rights of his people across justice, health, cultural education, and community development. His artistic talents have gained international recognition, with his works sold to buyers including former Queensland premiers, the National Australia Gallery in Canberra, and collectors across the Pacific to the United States.

Among his many achievements, Gavin was the recipient of the 2008 NAIDOC Community Person of the Year Award and the Blueprint for the Bush Community Hero Award. His establishment of the Brothers Act of Kindness (BARK) social venture and the Townsville & Thuringowa Regional Indigenous Men's Association (TTRIMA) demonstrates his commitment to creating positive change through community connection.

Culture in motion

Kinetic is honoured to be carrying Gavin’s important stories and connections throughout our community. As our beautifully wrapped bus travels its daily routes, it serves as a conversation starter, an educational tool, and a proud display of the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage that is woven into Townsville's identity.