Komatsu Australia has renewed its partnership with the Clontarf Foundation for another three years, marking the relationship with a new Indigenous artwork created by Noongar and Yamatji artist Jermaine Miller-Lewis.
The artwork, titled Koorl Boodja, meaning Moving on Country, will feature on a newly released polo shirt for Komatsu employees. Its design reflects the company’s people, workplaces and global footprint while highlighting learning, connection and shared progress.
Komatsu has worked with the Clontarf Foundation for the past six years, providing mentoring, work experience, mock interviews, employment pathways and financial support for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
From Clontarf student to professional artist
Perth-based Miller-Lewis participated in the Clontarf Foundation during his teenage years and has since developed his artistic practice from traditional canvas work into digital design.
“I’ve been practising art since I was a teenager, but over the past few years I’ve started pursuing it more professionally and moved from canvas work into digital design,” Miller-Lewis said.
“Then Clontarf Foundation reached out and said there was an opportunity to work with Komatsu on a special artwork celebrating both the partnership and Komatsu’s connection to Country.”
As part of the creative process, Miller-Lewis visited Komatsu’s Welshpool facility to learn about the company’s history, employees and machinery.
A design built around people and place
The artwork uses earthy ochre tones to represent land and Country, while green elements acknowledge Komatsu’s origins in a pine forest in Japan and its development into a global organisation.
“At the centre of the artwork sits Komatsu as the main meeting place, with travelling lines extending outwards to represent Komatsu locations across Australia and around the world,” Miller-Lewis said.
“It shows people from different places coming together to work and learn as one, while the meeting places and travelling lines represent communities, workers, customers and families and the importance of connection and shared knowledge.”
Supporting future industry pathways
Komatsu Australia General Manager – People Experience, Zara Carey, said the collaboration demonstrated the long-term impact industry partnerships could have on young people.
“Jermaine’s journey is a great example of the confidence, skills and opportunities programs like Clontarf can help create, and we’re proud to be able to showcase his artwork across our business on our uniforms,” Carey said.
“Renewing our partnership for another three years reflects the importance of continuing that support and building long-term connections with young people entering our industry.”
She said programs such as the Clontarf partnership were also helping build a more inclusive workforce by giving young people greater visibility of the career opportunities available.
Clontarf Foundation General Manager – Partnerships and Communications, Nick Jenkins, said Komatsu employees had shown consistent commitment to supporting students across the country.
“The commitment shown by Komatsu staff throughout the boys’ journeys has been consistently evident, and their ongoing support continues to reflect the strong values and genuine investment that Komatsu brings to the partnership,” Jenkins said.
The renewed agreement will allow Komatsu and the Clontarf Foundation to continue providing mentoring, workplace experience and employment opportunities while strengthening connections between young Indigenous Australians and industry.
