The cover of this month’s InMotion features artwork created especially to represent the APA’s vision statement, by New South Wales-based Aboriginal artist Jakeob Watson.

It was commissioned by the APA for use with the new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which will be launched next month.

Jakeob is a proud Gomeroi man who holds deep connections to Wonnarua country, where he was born and raised, in Maitland, New South Wales.

Jakeob works closely with local communities, sharing guidance and knowledge and teaching culture, wellbeing and art through his perspective.

He has been selling his art since 2009 and has created community murals as well as artwork used on the National Rugby League Indigenous round jerseys for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and St George Illawarra Dragons.

‘To link in with the Australian Physiotherapy Association statement that depicts what and who this association is about, I had designed the art piece to reflect this statement through native Australian bees, flora and Indigenous-inspired patterns.

'This piece represents holistic care for all, from the consumers to the practitioners, all of whom utilise the APA.

'The animals, plants, insects and trees are all forms of natural medicine that can be used to heal the body.

'The Indigenous-inspired patterns display the travel, communities and medical professionals required to support consumers through their medical journey,’ says Jakeob.

Below is an individual description of each entity on the art piece:

• native black sugarbag bee: this native bee pollination is vital for our plant life and is the creator of the sugarbag. Natural sugarbag is a great source of food and is/was used as a traditional substance to help support gut health


• honey ant: the honey ant is jam-packed with nutrients


• placenta: shows the connection we all share with our mothers and our mothers to Mother Earth


• eagle print: represents the wedge-tailed eagle and its connections to Baiame, our creator spiri.


• wattle and gumleaves: both these leaves are used in traditional medicine and for certain ceremonial purposes


• communities and journey lines: represent the connections and links between the APA and our communities, sharing knowledge and good health.

The APA’s new Reconciliation Action Plan will be launched in April.

Keep an eye on our socials and website for more information.

Main image: The new Reconciliation Action Plan artwork created by Jakeob Watson.