Cultural Engagement
Guardians Of The 111
Artist Bio: Rachael Rose
GUARDIANS OF THE 111 – for Jackson, Kelsey and Jesse
I am a Nhanda woman from the Shark Bay Yamatji Region. My childhood was
spent in the Murchison and Goldfields regions of Western Australia, where I
grew up with my parents and sister. I've been drawing and painting since I was
young, but it's always been a personal journey—a way to express my inner world,
not for anyone else. I am a mother to three beautiful children—two sons and a
daughter—whom I am incredibly proud of.
In my painting “GUARDIANS OF THE 111” I depict these nurturing forces as
protective guardians, watching over and guiding my sons and daughter through
life's paths. Inspired by this beautiful country, it celebrates the eternal
bond between mother nature, ancestry, and family.
New Relationships
In 2019, Directors Jackson, Kelsey, and Jesse Merillo discovered their Aboriginal Ancestral lineage to the Nhanda People, Shark Bay Yamatji Region.
During December 2025, the Merillo siblings travelled up to Shark Bay to connect with Country, with Darren Capewell from Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures faciliating their participation in the Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour.
Through this experience, they spent a night under the stars learning the history of the Gutharraguda and surrounded themselves with the wonders of the flora and fauna.
Jackson and Jesse both participated in playing the timeless instrument, the Didgeridoo, with Darren while Kelsey played the Tapping Sticks, all while listening to dream time stories and learning the ancient laws.
Darren's engagements with the Shark Bay region as a tour guide emphasised the importance of honouring the past and lead to Ironbark's current sponsorship of this company.
$1 AUD Per Sale Donated
Ironbark Safety Products [WA] have partnered with Bolle Safety to produce a brand new eyewear collaboration project, due to arrive at the end of the next quarter.
With sleek, eco-friendly frames these specs are designed to keep your vision clear and your eyes safe in style. They will be available in a crystal frame with clear, smoke and polarised lenses.
Ironbark's signature branding will bring a story of guidance and ancestry to the design, ensuring you are protected with purpose. In addition to this, Ironbark are committed to donating $1 AUD from every sale to Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures, to support their Youth Cultural Leadership Camps.
Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures
Ironbark Safety Products [WA] are committed to donating $1 AUD from every sale to Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures. Specifically the facilitation of ‘On Country’ fully immersive youth cultural leadership camps. This contribution aids the teaching and learning experiences presented through the knowledge, languages and cultures of the Nhanda and Malgana peoples.
Reconciliation Week 2026
During NRW 2026 Ironbark staff members got to experience a 90-minute guided Walk on Country for Reconciliation with Nyungar Cultural Consultant Cyril Yarran.
Attendees were encouraged to feel connected immediately, through learning and singing ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes’ (Kaat, Djerdim, Boornitj, Djen) in native language together. This understanding of connection continued to grow as Cyril educated the group about the land, flora, and fauna, including stories of his own family, history, and upbringing in the area.
A phrase which was repeated throughout the morning with Cyril was Dabakarm (duh-buh-karn), meaning slow down. We thought this was a wonderful message, as life can often become overwhelming and we may easily forget to take a minute, go slowly, and focus on the things that matter most.
Many thanks to Cyril for this deeply personal and educational morning.
NAIDOC Week 2026
During NAIDOC Week 2026 a few members of our staff attended an interactive Paint, Dine & Learn experience hosted by the Djookanka Sisters. We explored the significance of Aboriginal art and its deep connection to Country and storytelling.
It is important to note that Aboriginal art should only be done by non-Indigenous individuals under the direct guidance and authority of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as the art form, symbols, and storytelling are sacred to Indigenous culture.
