Jarryd Lawton, a proud Ghungalu–Bidjara man and Youth Justice Worker, has a unique approach to making a difference in the lives of the young people he works with. By blending his passion for art and his commitment to community, Jarryd provides a space for youth to connect with their heritage and process their experiences. Working closely with the Queensland Police Service (QPS), he uses art as a form of therapy, helping young people express themselves, confront big emotions, and tell their life stories.
For Jarryd, community is central to both his art and his work. He believes deeply in the importance of reconciling with the past to break cycles of generational trauma, a message that flows through his art. “It’s about not forgetting the past but working through it to create a better future for the next generations,” Jarryd shares. His goal is to provide positive role models for young people and to instil a sense of belonging and identity through creative expression.
This passion extends beyond his work with youth. Jarryd has also built a thriving art business, collaborating with organisations to bring their visions to life through murals and custom artwork. When the KICS team needed an artist to create a unique design representing the partnership between Kummara and Infinity Community Solutions, they turned to Jarryd.
The result is Unified and Moving Forward, an art piece that encapsulates the strength of community and the power of collaboration. The design, which forms the core of the KICS logo, symbolises the coming together of individuals and organisations to support families. The inner circle added to the logo represents the all-in-one community Jarryd envisioned, where support and connection are always present.
Jarryd’s vision doesn’t stop here. He hopes to continue offering art therapy, teaching both indigenous and non-indigenous young people how to use art to stay connected, tell their stories, and ultimately, heal. His journey is one of empowerment—not just for himself but for the communities and young people he inspires every day.
To learn more about Jarryd’s art visit https://www.mujeekah.com/
KICS is a government-funded partnership between Kummara Limited and Infinity Community Solutions Ltd (ICS) that prioritises connection first and placement second.
Kummara Limited (Kummara) is an Indigenous organisation established in 1999 to provide support to vulnerable families at risk. The organisation’s objective is to support the long-term wellbeing and resilience of children and families. Kummara offers many programs and works in partnership with families for the achievement of independence and the strengthening of the family’s capabilities. We believe in the strengths of family and community and have developed a strong reputation for engaging and supporting our community.
Infinity Community Solutions Ltd (ICS) is a not-for-profit organisation established in early 2017 to provide a range of services to children, young people, and families. ICS is motivated to make a difference in the lives of individuals. We strive to provide world-class professional services specifically designed to enable individuals to reach their full potential and live rich and fulfilled lives. We are client-centric, nimble and adaptable, boutique and personal; and innovative and outcomes driven.
Kummara and ICS successfully operate several services under the KICS banner in partnership including KICS Kinship Service Moreton Bay Region, KICS Kinship and Foster Care Service Moreton Bay Region, KICS Family Care Finder Moreton Bay, KICS Family Support Brisbane, and since January 2023 KICS Kinship and Foster Care Southeast Region and KICS Kinship and Foster Care Southwest Region.