The colours integrated across the articulated panelling reflect the colours employed by the artists on their contemporary shellwork objects and symbolise flow, harmony and rhythm. The pink and yellows allude to the beauty of reflective light at dawn and dusk that coats the sand and shells as they are collected the way. These pink and yellows meet the hues of the teal ocean lapping the shores while the fuchsia strikes a bold tone to send a rhythm rippling through the façade wall. 

The starrie shells placed in unified formation signify women, the long-standing tradition of shellwork and its cultural and family significance. This story of shellwork is a story-one of connection – between generations of Aboriginal mothers, sisters and daughters, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, a combination of ‘white man’ technique and Bidjigal cultural knowledge. 

The flow of water across the centre of the design signifies the Timbery’s family connection to saltwater, the flow of tides, oceans and connection to Country, unifying the male and female symbology. Water that flows through time and place as it once flowed in the open wetlands not far from this site. 

The Bidjigal design at the base of the walls references the countless generations of Indigenous men and their craftsmanship while anchoring the design to the ground. This is inspired by Aunty Esme’s nephew, the late Laddie Timbery, who would burn this design into his many boomerangs and other cultural and utilitarian wooden objects.