THE indigenous business sector in Australia is experiencing significant growth, with a notable increase in the number of Indigenous-owned businesses.
This growth is driven by the acceptance and recognition of First Nations Australians, which has helped to expand the number of Indigenous-owned small businesses.
Manamana Dreaming, led by Ipswich award-winning artist Jennifer Kent and her husband Wesley are key players in this sector, specialising in art, cultural education, digital and community reconciliation projects.
Manamana Dreaming’s mission is to preserve Indigenous culture through knowledge and education, and to create a positive impact by sharing culture and knowledge with the broader community.
Wesley is a descendant of the Kalkadoon and has affiliations with the Mitakoodo Tribes of North West Queensland.
His Apical Ancestral Family line were known for being great dancers and warriors. Wesley grew up on country in Mt Isa and attended Abergowrie College in Ingham. Manamana is a Kalkadoon word that means Sky.
Jennifer is a multi-cultural Australian with First Nations Ancestry from the Quandamooka, Jinibara, Wakkawakka Tribes of South East Queensland and of the Taroombal of the Central East Coast of Queensland.
She grew up in Mt Isa and Townsville and also has kinship with the Waluwarra and Kalkadoon Tribes of North West Queensland. Jennifer’s maternal lineage shares Irish, English and Chinese ancestry as well.
Coming from a talented family line of artists and song people, Jennifer is an activist in the “ministry of reconciliation” and hopes her art produces positivity and joy to onlookers and inspires people to feel peaceful and connected to caring for our communities and beautiful sea and country.
Jennifer acquired a love for creativity when she attended boarding school at Shalom Christian College in Townsville.
With a background in education and community, she enjoys sharing cultural art experiences to people of all ages.
With a unique story- telling attribute that allows her to engage and relate to a wide range of audiences, she has an extensive professional portfolio.
As one of Ipswich’s most loved and respected indigenous artists, Jennifer’s long list of achievements include winning the Ipswich Art Awards Acrylic and Oil 2023, selected artist Spark D’Lite 2024, selected artist Spark Pixel 2023, and branding artist Spark Ipswich 2023, to just name a few.
The Manamana Dreaming team are highly sought after to produce large-scale murals and uniforms within health care, local businesses and education centres throughout Ipswich and greater Brisbane.
Just a few of these incredible works of art now adorn the walls, grounds and surrounds including St Vincents Healthcare at Kangaroo Point and Chermside, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and Dakabin Community Youth Hub.
The most recently completed mural by Manamana Dreaming is called Woogaroo, at St Peter Claver College in Dinmore.
Woogaroo is the traditional name of the land surrounding the Dinmore area, and means a cool and shady place – honouring the landscape that was once a tall eucalypt forest.
Manamana Dreaming is a truly remarkable team, led by an incredible artist that Ipswich is proud to call ours.
