At just 16 years-old, Teleah is making her mark.
As a proud Arrernte and Wiradjuri woman, her heritage is important to her.
“I have always been connected to my culture through what I have been taught growing up,” she explains.
The Ocean View High student, who is currently in Year 11 at school, has had her artwork selected to promote and represent Reconciliation in the West 2026.
Reconciliation in the West – affectionately known by locals as ‘Rec in the West’ – is a flagship Reconciliation Week event held each year in Port Adelaide.
This year’s event is on between 10am – 2pm on May 28 2026 at Tauondi Aboriginal College in Lipson Street, Port Adelaide.
Teleah says that reconciliation is about “everyone, Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal, coming together as one, one country.
“As I’ve grown, I have continued to learn more about Aboriginal culture and the experiences of Aboriginal people, both past and present,” she says.
“For many years people have encouraged me to share my art and tell my story.”
Despite that, Teleah was surprised when her design was chosen.
“When I found out that my artwork was selected to be the poster for Rec in the West, I was very excited,” she says.
“As someone who lives with anxiety and autism, art is very important to me. It helps calm me and allows me to express myself in ways I sometimes find difficult otherwise.”
Teleah says that being part of the competition has opened her eyes to a new potential career path.
And it’s not just her art that is catching attention; she’s also learning to use her voice.
Teleah will take part in the Youth Forum that is part of the Rec in the West event.
“An event like Rec in the West is important because it helps younger people have an understanding of reconciliation, and it also shows the connection they have with the community.”
Teleah’s art illustrates what it means to be ‘All in’
Teleah’s design represents the 2026 Reconciliation theme: ‘All in’
‘All In’ is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
“I see all Aboriginal people, regardless of background, as connected, as we all come from the same country: Australia,” says Teleah.
“At the centre of my canvas, I have placed Australia, shown from my own perspective. Within it are different meeting places, representing the various states and communities, acknowledging that not everyone comes from the same place or community.
“Around the border of Australia, I have used lines in earth tones to reflect the land, as much of Australia is known for its red and orange sands, though the colours vary across the country. The white dots along the outer border represent Elders and Ancestors watching over Aboriginal people, guiding us and ensuring that culture remains strong.
“Surrounding the meeting places are animal tracks, symbolising different totems from cultures across Australia, as well as the animals traditionally hunted for food. The different shades of blue dots along the outer layer of the canvas represent water —places where both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people gather and fish, highlighting shared spaces and connection.”
One thing is for sure: Teleah is already having a positive impact in her community. The rest of us are looking forward to seeing this emerging artist and talented young woman continue to grow and flourish.