Desert Connections Artwork
We are exceptionally proud to unveil the latest addition to the Northpharm collection, a stunning new piece by acclaimed Larrakia and Warramunga artist Rochelle Fejo-Tasker.
Currently taking pride of place in our Adelaide office, this vibrant piece is the third in a series of five commissioned artworks for Northpharm. It serves as a powerful tribute to the Katherine Region—a vital central hub that connects and sustains the majority of communities across the Northern Territory.
Desert Connections
This artwork, the third of five commissioned for Northpharm, honours the Katherine Region as the central heartbeat of the Northern Territory. Set against a desert palette of gold and yellow, the piece features the Goanna, a creator spirit representing strength, survival, and a deep connection to Country. The composition maps a journey of care, using a straight line to represent the Stuart Highway connecting three major Northpharm hubs: Royal Darwin Hospital, Palmerston, and Katherine Terrace.
Surrounding these are symbols for people and meeting places, representing the many communities served. Merging tradition with modern practice, the work features Gum leaves as a nod to bush medicine, while coloured dots within the meeting places symbolise the specific pharmaceuticals provided by the pharmacy, weaving together a narrative of health, heritage, and regional unity.
The Goanna: A Symbol of Strength and Survival
At the heart of this piece is the Goanna, an important totem and creator spirit in Aboriginal culture. The Goanna represents strength, survival, and a deep, enduring knowledge of Country. These are qualities that resonate deeply with the Katherine community, whose resilience in the face of recent environmental challenges and natural adversity continues to inspire us.
Through this artwork, Rochelle generously shares two significant Dreamtime stories that highlight the Goanna’s connection to the land and the life-giving force of water:
Goanna Calling for Rain
When a goanna is seen climbing high up a tree or an old log, it is said to be calling for rain. It reaches upward to speak to the spirits who might be willing to listen, asking them to send the rains that bring life back to the land.
The Goanna Wives and the Marbiji River
During a devastating drought, the goannas were the only healthy animals, sustained by a secret water supply. When the other animals begged for a drink, the greedy goanna men refused. Determined to save the others, a brave young goanna wife, guided by little-men, found the hidden water source in the mountains. After drinking her fill and leading her sisters to safety, she returned to the mountain. Following the little-men's instructions, she drove a yam digging stick deep into the mountainside and fled. A great roar echoed behind her as water rushed out, forming the Marbiji River. When the goanna men returned to find their camps swept away by the new river, their wives refused to rejoin them, transforming instead into beautiful chestnut teal ducks and flying away into the swamps.
The Next Chapter Unfolds
This artwork is a beautiful daily reminder for our team of the deep cultural history of the NT, the resilience of the communities we serve, and the vital role Northpharm plays in delivering health outcomes across the Territory. To follow the progress of this artistic journey or to see more of the artist’s portfolio, you can visit Rochelle Minberrignully Fejo-Tasker’s Facebook page.
