Dawn Reflection, Australia Day in Sydney 2026
Media Release posted 26 January,2026
Dancing in the Moonlight by Garry Purchase
“Dancing in the Moonlight depicts the sacred BurriBurri — the humpback whale — breaching beneath a night sky. It represents its ancient journey since time immemorial, its path written across the dreaming and emblazoned in the stars. The whale moves with power and grace, carrying cultural memory, strength and endurance. The whale is an honoured totem for coastal tribes and mobs all around our island home. I hope this work is a reminder for all Australians to respect our oceans and the creatures we share our beautiful country with.”
“This painting is deeply personal. It is a vision of strength, rebirth and renewal. It reflects my own journey of re-emerging, finding my voice again, and learning to stand proud of who I am. Dancing in the Moonlight is about reclaiming strength, honouring culture, and moving forward with pride and purpose.”
About Dawn Reflection
Barabiyanga. In the words of the ancient Eora people, these are the precious moments before the first rays of light paint the shores of our island home.
Dawn Reflection invites all of us into a quiet pause. A time to recall our country’s unfolding story – told in many voices across countless generations.
More than just another sunrise, it is a moment where people draw courage and inspiration from each other and commit to shaping Australia into a place of unity and inclusion for every person who calls this land home.
About The Artist
Garry Purchase is a proud Aboriginal man of Dharawal, Bidjigal and Dhungutti descent, raised in Botany and amongst the strong Aboriginal community of La Perouse in Sydney. Hailing from the renowned Timbery family, with ancestors such as “Queen” Emma Timbery and Esme Timbery, whose shell work is internationally recognised, as well as Laddie and Joe Timbery both known for their boomerang knowledge and skills. Culture, creativity and storytelling have always been part of his identity.
Before painting, Garry was a musician. When he moved to the Central Coast in 2013, he began painting as a new way to express himself. His work is a modern interpretation of traditional Aboriginal art, grounded in culture but driven by personal experience and contemporary social issues. He uses art to tell stories that are honest, sometimes confronting, and deeply connected to identity, resilience and community. Pushing boundaries within Aboriginal art is important to him — he paints from lived experience, not expectation.
His work has been recognised through multiple awards, including the Tony Donovan Award at the Reconciliation Exhibition in 2014 and 2016, several Aboriginal Health awards, and most recently the People’s Choice Award at the Gosford Art Prize 2024. He has also shared his journey on ABC Television, appearing as a guest on Play School and as an artist in the inaugural season of Portrait Artist of the Year.
The NSW Government’s lead agency for tourism and major events, Destination NSW, is responsible for delivering the Australia Day in Sydney event program on behalf of the Australia Day Council of NSW.
