Making an impact on our community

Nioka Lowe-Brennan is the first person to take up a new traineeship for young Indigenous people to work with the Synod of NSW and the ACT.

Over the course of a year, she will work with the Synod and receive mentoring and training. She told Insights about the opportunity and what she hopes to gain from it.

I’m Nioka, a proud Dhungutti, Gomeroi, and Biripi artist.

When I saw this traineeship advertised, I was excited by the opportunity to explore a new medium, as a painter, sculptor and occasional ceramic artist, graphic design is something completely new to me. When I met the team during the interview I was pleasantly surprised by their warmth and excitement to have me on board, they’re such a supportive team.

I’m grateful to have this opportunity and have learnt so much just within the first month of being here.

The first task I received from the team was to design this year’s shirt for the Synod meeting. I aimed to create something that would represent the five transformation goals.

Each ring starting from the inner circle represents: Reimagining ministry in and with rural and regional areas, reaching and empowering people in the first third of their lives, walking together with First Nation Peoples, acting and advocating for climate justice, and renewal of discipleship across the Synod to stimulate growth in and through congregations.

I chose symbols and images that correlate with the message for each goal and hope it encourages coming together for positive change to make impact within our community.

Out of all the amazing things this traineeship has to offer I’m most looking forward to representing my people in a space I didn’t think we were being recognised.

The church doesn’t have a good reputation with my people and at first, I felt hesitant to be a part of it, but I believe the Uniting Church lives up to their name and I’m proud to work here.

NIOKA LOWE-BRENNAN

NEWS FROM UNITING CHURCH ADULT FELLOWSHIP (UCAF)