An overview of the artwork 

"WHEN THE SPIRIT OF BENNELONG RETURNS"



Panel (4) detail “When the Spirit of Bennelong returns”(1991-1999)
©️Arts Law Australia
Total Size: 510cm W x 110cm H x 5cm D 
(4 panels + 1 maquette sculpture)
Medium: Mixed Media


Following are Thomas Keneally's words 
from Panel 4 of the complete artwork (shown below). 
Mr. Keneally did mention that Peter Garrett had input here.


“WHEREAS THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE ARE DRAWN
FROM A RICH DIVERSITY OF CULTURES
YET ARE ONE IN THEIR DEVOTION 
TO THE AUSTRALIAN TRADITION OF EQUALITY
THE FREEDOM OF THE PERSON
AND THE DIGNITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL;

WHEREAS AUSTRALIA IS AN ANCIENT LAND 
PREVIOUSLY OWNED AND OCCUPIED
BY ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
WHO NEVER CEDED OWNERSHIP;

WHEREAS AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE LOOK TO SHARE FAIRLY
IN THE PLENTY OF THE COMMONWEALTH;

WHEREAS AUSTRALIA IS A CONTINENT 
OF IMMENSE EXTENT AND UNIQUE IN THE WORLD
DEMANDING AS OUR HOME LAND OUR RESPECT
DEVOTION AND WISE MANAGEMENT.”

Thomas Keneally
PROPOSED PREAMBLE TO A NEW AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION
Wording reprinted here with Mr. Keneally's expressed permission.

This complete artwork was given to and kindly received as a gift by 
NAISDA – National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association.
There were many contributors to the artwork.

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