The Australian Embassy in Palau is supporting a new large-scale mural at Palau High School as part of Australia now: Pacific edition.

Australian First Nations artist Maddison Gibbs and Palauan artist Elsei Tellei (Tiuladokow Artwork) are collaborating on the new mural, Two nations. One Ocean at Palau High School, with painting underway during July 2026.

The design concept is a shared meditation on water, protection and leadership, bringing together deep cultural ties to land, sea, sky and community.

The artwork centres on the bai rising from an ocean backdrop – echoing the story of the first bai being found underwater and carried to land.

Responding through her own cultural lens as an artist of proud Gunu Baakandji heritage, Gibbs’ contribution reimagines eucalyptus leaves – central to First Nations cleansing ceremonies – as ripples moving across the water’s surface, an act of renewal.

The project highlights how the connections between Australian First Nations and Blue Pacific peoples continue to deepen and showcases Australia and Palau’s shared commitment to environmental protection.

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Elsei Tellei
Maddison Gibbs
Australian Embassy, Palau