Celebrating our inaugural Environmental Arts Award winner: Courtney Garstang.
We are thrilled to announce Courtney Garstang as the first recipient of the Electrify Bouddi and Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Environmental Award. This new award celebrates original creative works that connect with our environment and address climate concerns.
About Courtney
Courtney is a talented young Barkindji woman who lives on Darkinjung land on the Central Coast. Raised by her single father who nurtured both her Indigenous heritage and artistic abilities, Courtney’s connection to culture and art has flourished through engagement with Indigenous programs and learning from Indigenous leaders and elders.
Her artistic journey took flight during Year 12, when she began exploring Indigenous art more deeply. Since then, she has created numerous works, including commissioned pieces and murals, each telling powerful stories of connection to country and culture.
The Art and Its Meaning
Courtney’s work beautifully weaves together traditional Indigenous knowledge with contemporary themes.
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Her recent piece for Novartis explores the cultural significance of the angophora tree to the Darug Wallamatta People, representing it as a spiritual vessel connecting earth and sky. The work masterfully incorporates elements of science and healing, reflecting both ancient wisdom and modern medical innovation.
To experience more of Courtney’s inspiring artwork, visit her Instagram page: @baaka_sista
Listen to an interview with Courtney and John Bell with ABC Central Coast’s Caroline Perryman.
Building a Sustainable Future for the Award
The Electrify Bouddi and Bouddi Foundation for the Arts envision this award as an ongoing celebration of creativity and environmental consciousness. We welcome all forms of artistic expression – from visual arts and songwriting to dance and storytelling – that can spark change within our community and beyond.
Our goal is to:
- Engage our community around climate action
- Support and encourage young Central Coast artists
- Help envision sustainable futures as we work toward net zero.
Join us in supporting this vision
This award builds on the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts’ established grant-making processes and expert judging panel, ensuring professional recognition for emerging artists while fostering important conversations about our environment. Please visit their website for more information about their inspiring organisation: www.bouddiarts.org.au
These images are the copyright of the artist Courtney Garstang and Novartis and cannot be reproduced without the artist’s permission.
Recognition for our environmental arts initiative
We are delighted to announce that the Smart Energy Council is recognising the collaborative efforts of Bouddi Foundation for the Arts (BFA), Electrify Bouddi, and—most significantly—our inaugural award recipient, Courtney Garstang. This acknowledgment celebrates not only Courtney’s remarkable artistic contributions but also highlights the intersection of First Nations knowledge, environmental consciousness, and creative expression. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts and John Bell AO AM OBE, to Courtney for her exceptional talent, and to the other four nominees for this award and whose creative works are making meaningful environmental impacts. For more details about this award and the other nominees, please visit: Smart Energy Council Announcement