Cultural Tribute to Kabi Kabi People Unveiled at Abbey Museum, Caboolture

Following the successful launch of the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology’s new Art Gallery and Café, a major sculptural piece recognising Kabi Kabi Country was unveiled on Friday, 28 February.

The event brought together community members, leaders, and artists to celebrate the sculpture’s role in honouring First Nations heritage and storytelling.

Abbey Museum Board Chair, Edith Cuffe, welcomed attendees and acknowledged the Kabi Kabi First Nations people, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.

At the heart of the event was the reveal of a striking bronze sculpture crafted by Lyndon Davis, a Traditional Custodian of the Kabi Kabi people. A well-regarded artist, cultural educator, and performer, Davis led a Welcome to Country and spoke about the deep historical and cultural significance of the artwork.

“The sculpture honours the ancient cultural history of the land on which the Abbey Museum is situated and the custodianship of Kabi Kabi people in caring for Country over thousands of years,” Davis said. “It represents passing on that knowledge.

“We’re the next ones living here, so the more we know about the place, we can look after it like these ancestors before us.”

The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP, Shadow Minister for Closing the Gap and Reconciliation, commended the sculpture for its role in truth-telling.

“To have this commitment to telling the truth of this place in such a beautiful, peaceful, connected way, that all of us can breathe it in and take in part of our own story going into whatever part of our lives—in our workplaces, in our education, in our families, and in our friendship groups,” Ms Enoch said. “It’s important that we take the opportunities to tell the stories of these places.

“We will all hold the responsibilities of these stories regardless of your cultural background, and every time visitors come here, they will be reminded of those responsibilities and reminded of the story of this place through this great piece of art.”

Councillor Brooke Savige, representing Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery, applauded the Abbey Museum for its dedication to cultural recognition.

“This sculpture further elevates First Nations art within the Moreton Bay region,” Ms Savige said. “It will play an integral role in showcasing this to the world as we inch closer and closer to the 2032 Olympics.”

Standing at 2.6 metres and 2 metres tall, the sculpture features two shields, cast in bronze, inspired by traditional Kabi Kabi craftsmanship. Davis’ design incorporates patterns drawn from the natural environment, with imagery of the Bat-wing Coral Tree and Fig Tree—materials historically used for shields. At the base, the Bungwall Fern, once a staple food source, is depicted as a nod to the sustainable practices of Kabi Kabi ancestors.

Incorporating a contemporary touch, Davis mirrored the intricate designs of the Abbey Church’s stained-glass windows within the shields, creating a fusion of historical and cultural elements. The effect is most striking at sunset, when light filters through the coloured inlays, casting vibrant patterns on the museum’s entrance.

Abbey Museum’s Senior Curator, Michael Strong, highlighted the project’s broader cultural impact.

“We wanted this project to show our respect for First Nations Cultural Protocols and to create awareness and a sense of cultural appreciation among our visitors, booked school groups, and school holiday family groups,” Mr Strong explained.

Beyond the unveiling, the museum is committed to ongoing cultural engagement. During the Easter school holidays, Davis will return to lead Cultural Awareness workshops and guided tours to Sandstone Point, where visitors can explore ancient fish traps and the dolphin-calling site—key elements of Kabi Kabi history.

The project was made possible through the collaboration of artists and cultural leaders. John Waldron of Blue Sky View, who curated the partnership between Davis and renowned public artist and fabricator Russell Anderson of Art + Design, noted the sculpture’s long-term significance.

“We believe this high-quality public art project will have a lasting legacy for Southeast Queensland as the region invites the world in for the 2032 Olympics,” Mr Waldron exclaimed.

Now positioned at the entrance of the Abbey Museum’s new extension, the sculpture stands as more than just an artwork—it is a lasting tribute to the resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted traditions of the Kabi Kabi people.