Rhan’s bringing culture to life at Swanbank
5 December 2023
A blank conference room wall at CleanCo’s Swanbank site is steadily being transformed into a giant visual representation of the power station site, thanks to the efforts of local artist, Rhan Hooper.
CleanCo recognises that the Swanbank site has significance for the people of the Yuggera language group, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Through collaborations such as this, CleanCo hopes to build cultural understanding within the organisation, while developing partnerships with local First Nations artists.
Rhan is well known in the Ipswich area for his passion for sharing cultural knowledge and telling stories through art.
“It’s the best job in the world – sharing culture through art and making things,” he said.
Ipswich artist Rhan Hooper completing a mural at Swanbank power station
Rhan was born in Charleville to parents from Cunnamulla.
“My tribal lands are those of the Kunja tribe,” he said. “Through my parents, I belong to the Kooma mob from St George and surrounds. I lived in different parts of Queensland as a child before moving to Victoria.”
This move would have a huge influence on Rhan’s life. Living in the Dandenongs, he started playing AFL, a sport he would go on to play professionally as an adult.
“My family moved up to Ipswich when I was a teenager and that began my connection to the city. I have a continuing tie through my wife, who is a Yugera woman, and I’m raising my children in Ipswich.
“As well as learning about my own mob and their history, I have really enjoyed building my knowledge of the Yugera, Ugarupul and Jagera People.”
Competitive advantage
Rhan was selected for the All Australian Under 16s AFL team in 2003. At just 17 years of age, he was picked up by the Brisbane Lions, and went on to play with the club for 4 years.
After playing 49 games for the Lions, Rhan moved to Hawthorn but unfortunately, injury brought his career to an end. He moved back to Queensland and worked in different jobs before turning to art and sharing culture as a full-time occupation.
“I only began to learn about my own culture as an adult. I want others to have the chance earlier in life – so I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge, especially with children.”
Ipswich artist Rhan Hooper in front of a mural he is painting at Swanbank power station
A typical day could see Rhan making didgeridoos with school students, teaching them about bush tucker or making artefacts for special ceremonial gifts, such as graduations. Around Ipswich, you can see Rhan’s beautiful artworks and artefacts at Bremer State High School, the RAAF base at Amberley and Booval Shopping Centre.
He has plans to start a charity for children, to support disadvantaged and marginalised children to participate in sport.
“Sport changed the course of my life but having a connection to my culture and mob has kept me grounded and gives me great happiness,” he said. “If children can play sport and learn about their culture, they will have a great start in life.”
