Sparking creativity and conversations through art: Suncorp welcomes Aboriginal artist Rheanna Lotter

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories. This year’s NAIDOC Week recognises the 50th anniversary of the event. 

Aboriginal artist Rheanna Lotter ran both in-person and virtual workshops across Suncorp, not only sparking creativity but also enabling important conversations. 

The 2025 theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ and Rheanna embodies this through the symbolism and stories in her artwork.  

Executive General Manager Customer Service Stuart Beaumont is Suncorp’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Champion. 

“We’re proud to welcome Aboriginal artist Rheanna to Suncorp; hosting her workshops for our people in celebration of NAIDOC Week,” he said. 

"Suncorp understands the mutual benefit gained from strengthening cultural connections and showcasing the contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities make to our organisation and country."

Reconnecting to her roots 

Rheanna follows her Grandmother’s ancestral line, on her mother’s side, down to Yuin on the south coast of New South Wales. 

Yuin people have a strong connection to the ocean and this is part of the rich tapestry of cultures that influence her artwork.  

She said: “I follow my Nan’s line, but in reality I’ve got many connections to different nations throughout New South Wales." 

Rheanna’s love of art comes from her mum, her “biggest influence” who taught her how to paint as a child.  

Rheanna, who now lives in Sydney, grew up in the Southern Highlands where she would create and display work locally with her mum and sister. 

But during her teenage years, her love of sport, especially soccer and cricket, led to art being sidelined.  

After leaving home at 18 and relocating to Sydney, Rheanna worked for the AFL as a trainee, running programs at schools and in the wider community.  

She soon found herself feeling lonely outside of work and losing connection to her Aboriginal identity. 

Six months after moving to Sydney, she visited her parents in the Southern Highlands where she rediscovered her love of painting. One of her first pieces was of a platypus.  

“My mum called me up and said that one of their neighbours wanted to buy it,” Rheanna said. 

“It was the key to reigniting that spark of creativity – I felt this pull to do it.” 

She then started selling her creations at ‘Blak Markets’ in Sydney – a platform for First Nations artists, designers and small business owners to showcase their wares.  

Combining her passions for art and sport 

In 2014, Rheanna launched her own business called Ngandabaa, meaning 'Red Belly Snake’, which was her Grandfather’s nickname and totem.  

She said: “I connect through my Nan on the Yuin line, so I thought this would be a great way to connect with my Pop.” 

But it wasn’t until 2019 she decided to take the plunge and leave her job, then an Aboriginal Education Officer at a high school, to run Ngandabaa full time. 

Soon after, the Covid pandemic sent the world into lockdown, but it gave her the time to paint more and hone her craft. 

Rheanna has designed sports kits for the likes of the Sydney Thunder cricket team and even the Australian Paralympic team, bringing her art and message to a national and international audience.  

Rheanna believes that sport, as well as art, can be a catalyst for connection and change. 

“Sport is where people from all walks of life come together and support the same thing – those situations are the best places for conversations to be had.” 

Rheanna has a Ngandabaa online store and has transitioned from hand painting to digital artwork to bring her creations to a wider audience.  

Changing attitudes and inspiring the next generation 

Art workshops and programmes are a big part of Rheanna’s day-to-day work, where she teaches all ages about First Nations culture.  

From childcare centres to companies such as Suncorp, she is sparking important conversations across Australia.  

She once had a child from one of the centres she works with go home and say an Acknowledgement of Country at the dinner table. 

“Their mum emailed me and said how thankful she was that her child had come home and taught her about First Nations history.” 

It is the educating of adults that she finds the most rewarding part of her work.  

“Historically, the education system overlooked teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our culture and the real history,” she said. 

“To be able to get adults to want to learn more is such a win for me.” 

Beyond NAIDOC Week, Rheanna encourages the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses all-year round. 

Suncorp’s vision for reconciliation 

Suncorp’s vision for reconciliation is centred on our purpose, to build futures and protect what matters.  

Suncorp’s RAP Champion Stuart Beaumont added: “The guided art workshops provided a special opportunity for our people to listen, learn and grow – reflecting on First Nations history, culture and achievements while exploring their own journeys through creative expression.” 

Suncorp commissioned Rheanna to create an artwork to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025 and tie in with this year’s theme. 

“I love to listen to people’s stories and company visions to create an artwork – I am also influenced by human connection and the environment,” she said. 

“I related the NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, directly to my life. 

“The struggles my mum and grandparents went through and then the world I want my daughter to grow up in, I’m sure many people can relate to that in their own lives."