If you're a fan of The Block, you may have spied this eye-catching piece during the auctions of the recent season finale.
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But what you may not know is the talented mother-daughter duo behind the original artwork that featured in Deb and Andy Saunders' living area reside right here in the Nambucca Valley, and are proud custodians of Gumbaynggirr culture and lore.
Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood are the founders of the breakout Australian art business Miimi & Jinda, "which was established to not only create beautiful sacred artworks, sharing their rich cultural history, but to also implement change by creating national projects".
With bushfires ravaging our region, the pair combined forces with the Block Shop to donate $2000 from the sale of the artwork named 'Gaagal' (Ocean) to the Rural Fire Service.
"We all feel strong ties to each other in the community," Melissa said who felt there was no other choice but to give the proceeds of the artwork to the RFS.
"It's the perfect choice, so fitting. Some of my family were evacuated but everyone is safe and we have the RFS to thank for that.
"We're glad our art has been so well received by the people of Australia. We're very thankful to Andy and Deb for choosing to feature us in their Block house this year and congratulate them for doing so well in the recent auctions."
In a further act of kindness, Andy and Deb offered to match the donation with an additional $2000 from their own pockets.
"We're so grateful to the efforts of the firefighters in our area who have saved our homes and our wonderful community. We want to give something back and this seems like the perfect way to say thank you," Deb said.
Andy and Deb, whose house was under threat this week chose the Wallabi Point Brigade to receive the donation.
"We had flames just 100 metres from our home and if it wasn't for the extraordinary efforts of the RFS, who knows what might have happened?," she said.
Anthony Clark, Director of Corporate Communications at RFS said he would ensure the funds were donated to brigades in the Wallabi Point area.
"While our brigades have access to resources and firefighting equipment, donations assist with training, additional equipment and the delivery of activities that help the community," he said.
"It will be a great thank you to brigades who have been working so hard to protect their local communities over the last few days, during very difficult and dangerous conditions."
