Townsville students create RAP artwork for the world’s largest property services firm

Two Year 12 boarders at NRL Cowboys House have played an integral role in the creation of CBRE’s latest Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by designing the cover artwork.

Destiny Escott and her cousin Fredrick Mick both attend Queensland Pathways State College. They were commissioned to design the artwork by CBRE, the world’s largest property services firm, ahead of the launch of its 2024-2026 Innovate RAP.

CBRE’s Pacific Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager Kathi McCulloch said the artwork expressed CBRE’s connection and work on country and reflected the company’s genuine commitment to reconciliation. 

The background illustrates a cross-section of Australia as if seen from above like a bird, starting from the East Coast, crossing the Great Dividing Range, passing Uluru, and extending all the way to the West Coast. 

Layered on top of this are 13 meeting points, symbolising the 13 CBRE offices across Australia. These are interconnected by journey lines, representing life, major rivers, and the ways people connect. 

The artwork also incorporates emu and kangaroo tracks to signify movement. 

“We were so impressed by how well Destiny and Fredrick interpreted our design brief, with the artwork embodying the essence of connection and the intricate relationships between the land, its people, and the pathways they traverse,” Ms McCulloch said.

“We have an ongoing association with Cowboys House and have been inspired by the work they do to empower the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”

Destiny noted that the RAP artwork process had been enjoyable and challenging. “It made me feel proud to share my culture and help teach others about it.”

Cousin Fred added, “It was interesting for me personally as I don’t normally create my art about my culture, so it was my first deep exploration and serious painting. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I learnt a lot about teamwork. I really appreciated working together and learning from others to extend my work.”

A joint initiative between the NRL, The Cowboys Community Foundation, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government, Cowboys House provides supported accommodation for up to 104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities in North Queensland, enabling them to access secondary education opportunities.

CBRE is a foundation partner for the facility’s Sista Stand Strong women’s empowerment program in partnership with travel provider CTM. The program provides access to experts and guest speakers, alongside workshops on topics such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, success and happiness, stereotypes and body image, to help identify personal and professional pathways for success.

Commenting on the CBRE collaboration, Fiona Pelling, CEO for the Cowboys Community Foundation, said, “We are incredibly proud of Destiny and Fred for their outstanding contribution to CBRE’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Their artwork not only showcases their immense talent but also represents the spirit of connection and reconciliation that we strive to foster at Cowboys House. We are deeply grateful for our ongoing relationship with CBRE, whose support and commitment to our students empower them to shine on national platforms and contribute meaningfully to important initiatives. This partnership truly exemplifies the impact we can achieve together.”