QMAG

Description

This painting tells the powerful story of QMAG — a journey rooted in the heart of Central Queensland and shaped by discovery, connection, and transformation.

At its centre are two large circles, representing QMAG’s key operations in Parkhurst and Kunwarara, just outside Rockhampton. It was here, beneath a fallen tree, that biologist Bob Burban made a remarkable discovery in February 1985: clumps of white rock nestled in the tree’s roots. This chance encounter revealed one of the world’s largest known deposits of magnesite, marking the beginning of QMAG’s extraordinary path forward.

Flowing through the painting is a large snake, winding its way across the canvas — a symbol of QMAG’s evolution and growth. Its body is patterned with the chemical structure of magnesite, while its vibrant colours — orange, red, green, and blue — reflect the diversity of QMAG’s specialised product range. Six glowing circles within the artwork represent these six core product lines, each one a result of decades of expertise and innovation.

The Fitzroy River, painted in deep blue, curves through the landscape — a vital lifeline of Darumbal Country and a reminder of the deep respect owed to the land. Its edges are lined with grey rocks, grounding the piece in the terrain that makes all of this possible. Watching quietly are two green tree frogs, totem animals of the Darumbal people — their presence a symbol of guardianship and connection to Country.

Rising across the painting are textured patches of orange and green, echoing the topography of the land on which QMAG operates. These forms reflect a commitment to responsible mining practices and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that what is taken from the earth is given back with care.

Kangaroo footprints are scattered throughout — symbols of movement, journey, and the enduring stories of the Darumbal people.

This painting is more than a depiction of a company — it is a tribute to a place, its people, and a shared future. It has been a privilege to create this work in collaboration with QMAG, to explore their legacy, understand their challenges, and honour the journey from ore to your door.