In Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Forum, the Hon Pat Conroy MP Minister for Pacific Island Affairs officially unveiled the Australia/Palau mural – Two Nations, One Ocean at Palau High School on 3 September 2026.

Minister Conroy met with the students from Palau High School as well Palauan artist Elsei Tellei who collaborated on the mural with Australian First Nations artist Maddison Gibbs.

The mural was produced as as part of Australia now: Pacific edition and explores Australia and Palau’s shared commitment to environmental protection.

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.

Watch the video created by Palau High School.