Celebrating Reconciliation Week 2024: Honouring Culture and Creativity with Susie Klein

At Ozzi Kleen, we believe in the power of community and the importance of fostering support for First Nations cultures. Our annual Reconciliation Week initiative is a cornerstone of this commitment. Each year, we engage with local First Nations artists or groups to deepen our understanding of local cultures and issues, with a view to providing positive support and fostering meaningful relationships.

Introducing Susie Klein: A Jaularoi Artist Making a Difference

In 2024, we had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Susie Klein, a talented Mandandanji local and Jaularoi artist from Roma, South West Queensland. Susie is renowned for her vibrant and meaningful artwork, which not only beautifies spaces but also serves as a medium for healing and community engagement.

Susie’s dedication to her community is truly inspiring. Through her extensive work in art therapy, she has positively impacted many lives. She offers a range of programs, including Art for Relaxation, Creative Art Counselling, and Craft to Treat Trauma. These programs are designed to help individuals navigate their personal journeys, providing therapeutic benefits through creative expression.

Susie’s impressive qualifications span Counselling, Art, Therapeutic, and Business fields. She is currently undergoing training to become both an Australian Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer (ASIST) and an Indigenous Network Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer (INSIST), further highlighting her commitment to mental health and community support.

You can follow Susie Klein and her work on her website, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

A Collaborative Artwork: “Travelling for Water”

This year, our collaboration with Susie culminated in a remarkable piece of art titled “Travelling for Water”. This custom artwork narrates the story of Ozzi Kleen’s service activities in the Surat Basin, illustrating how our efforts contribute to maintaining the local environment and waterways.

Susie masterfully incorporated Ozzi Kleen’s corporate colours into the artwork, creating a unique and vibrant statement piece. This artwork now holds a place of honour in our boardroom, serving as a constant reminder of our commitment to the community and the environment.

Unveiling and Reflection Ceremony

On May 27, 2024, we proudly unveiled “Travelling for Water” during a special Reflection ceremony and morning tea with our staff. This event was not only a celebration of Susie’s artistry but also an opportunity for our team to reflect on the importance of Reconciliation Week and our ongoing efforts to support and engage with First Nations communities.

The Importance of Art in Community Healing

Susie Klein’s work exemplifies the power of art in community healing and engagement. Through her art therapy programs, she provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, process trauma, and find peace. These programs are especially important in regional areas like Roma, where access to mental health services can be limited.

Art therapy can be a transformative experience, offering a non-verbal outlet for expression and healing. Susie’s programs, such as Art for Relaxation, help individuals unwind and de-stress, while Creative Art Counselling provides guided support through creative activities. Craft to Treat Trauma focuses on using artistic practices to address and heal from traumatic experiences.

Supporting Local Initiatives

At Ozzi Kleen, we recognise the significance of supporting local initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the community. By commissioning artwork from local artists like Susie Klein, we aim to foster a deeper connection with the communities where we operate and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Our collaboration with Susie Klein is a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses and local artists come together. It underscores the importance of cultural understanding and the role that businesses can play in supporting and uplifting First Nations communities.

Looking Forward

As we move forward, Ozzi Kleen remains committed to our annual Reconciliation Week initiative. We will continue to seek opportunities to engage with local First Nations artists and groups, support community-driven projects, and promote cultural awareness and understanding.

We are proud of the work we have done with Susie Klein and look forward to future collaborations that will further our mission of community support and environmental stewardship. 

Join Us in Supporting Susie Klein

We invite you to learn more about Susie Klein and her incredible work by visiting her website, and following her on Facebook and LinkedIn. By supporting artists like Susie, we can all contribute to a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive community.

Reconciliation Week is a time for reflection, learning, and action. At Ozzi Kleen, we are honoured to play a part in this important movement. Our collaboration with Susie Klein has not only enriched our workplace with beautiful art but has also deepened our appreciation for the cultural heritage of the communities we serve.

Through initiatives like these, we hope to inspire others to engage with and support First Nations artists and communities. Together, we can build a future where cultural diversity is celebrated, and all communities thrive.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to many more years of learning, growing, and making a positive impact together.