Tunuba Dakani - Original

Tunuba – Fitzroy river ; Dakani – Crocodile)

The Fitzroy River’s ancient Guardian: A story of Protection and Significance


The Fitzroy river has been a vital source of life for the Darumbal people for centuries, providing a bounty of food and resources along its banks. The river has also served as a place of cultural significance, where the community gathers to teach their children the ways of their people and perform important ceremonies.

The Saltwater Crocodile is the protector of the Fitzroy river, manifesting a dual nature of tenderness and destruction. Its behaviour towards its hatchlings is nurturing, while it is lethal towards its prey.

It serves as guardian between the mundane world and the Underworld, embodying both life and death. Its lesson for us is to develop resilience in the face of adversity, so we can push through challenges and reach our true potential, and to look beyond our limitations to achieve what we truly desire.

Crocodiles are protected under the Nature Conservation Act. They play a vital role in the environment and are responsible for maintaining a well-balanced and functioning ecosystem.

Original painting
760mm x 910mm

Acrylic on canvas