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Bilawara (red-tailed black cockatoo) on Larrakia Country by Bilawara Lee, Jason Lee and Jesse Bell
Power and Water operates across 1.3 million square kilometres of the Northern Territory.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands we live, work and operate and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.
We are excited to share the bilawara (red-tailed black cockatoo) story with you, from Larrakia Country.
See the mural on our Parap water tank (164 Stuart Highway, Parap).
The black cockatoo represents change and enlightenment and herald the coming of rain.
They are believed to be the guides and guardians of the spirits of loved ones on their journey to rest amongst the Ancestors.
About the artists
Doctor Bilawara Lee (Aunty B) OAM – storyteller
Doctor Bilawara Lee (Aunty B) OAM is a proud Larrakia woman and Senior Elder who works tirelessly in her community to continue Larrakia peoples’ connection to Country, culture, and Ancestors through education, language, spirituality and healing.
Aunty B grew up in Darwin and is the eldest child of Larrakia Elder Mary Lee (nee Cubillo), and Herbert Lee, a Karajarri man from north Western Australia. She is a mother of three, grandmother to nine and Aunty to all.
Her name, Bilawara, means the red-tailed black cockatoo and is an Ancestral spirit that brings about change.
Aunty B is recognised by the Larrakia community as a Gurdimin-ba Bali, a Spirit Doctor, a healer and teacher of the ancient wisdoms of Aboriginal Spirituality and Healing and cross-cultural communication and Larrakia cultural protocols.
Aunty B is the inaugural Larrakia Academic In-Residence at Charles Darwin University where she is actively involved in providing culturally informed guidance on cultural protocols and practices, and support to the University’s staff and students. In April 2023, Aunty B was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Charles Darwin University for her work in health, education, cultural and spiritual work.
In May 2023, Aunty B was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the Indigenous community of the Northern Territory.
In 2021, she won the Northern Territory NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year Award and in 2022 was a finalist in the Senior Australian of the Year Award.
Aunty B is an internationally published author with two books, ‘Star Dreaming’ and ‘Healing from the Dilly Bag’ and is one of the Aboriginal Specialist on the podcast series ‘Ask the Specialist’.
Jason Lee – artist
Self-taught local artist Jason Lee (Bidjpidji Art) was born and raised in Darwin. Jason draws his artistic influences from his Larrakia ancestry and the Larrakia language and cultural practices, creating a mix of contemporary and traditional styles. He has been part of the Darwin Street Art Festival since its inaugural event in 2017. He is also an illustrator creating images for a range of children’s and colouring in books.
Jesse Bell – artist
Jesse Bell is a local Darwin artist who grew up by the Adelaide River. He has Maori Heritage and spent time living in New Zealand where he first developed a passion for painting through work opportunities with local artists.
Moving back to Darwin as a young adult, he continued to develop his painting skills in the graffiti scene. He was quickly recognised for his talent in painting realism, gaining a substantial amount of commissions for his work. Specialising in animals and portraiture, he now works full-time as a street artist and sign writer.
