In late February, a group from Medibank visited the Manapan Workshop in Milingimbi to collaborate on a custom table for the new office in Medibank Wollongong.

This project truly embodied the meaning of the Manapan name, which means ‘coming together’ in Yolŋu Matha. 

Medibank delegates included Uncle Steve (Artist and Bidigal man of Dharawal Nation), Duncan Harper (Project Director) and Jeff Gray (Aboriginal Engagement Lead), also joined by Mark White and Darren Shiels (Ramvek). They met the Manapan team in Milingimbi, including Josiah Baker and Clive Linely. 

The story of the timber: From Jamberoo to Milingimbi 

The chosen timber for the table was Australian Red Cedar, harvested from Jamberoo on the South Coast of New South Wales. This unique tree was struck by lightning several years ago. Notably, it is one of the only deciduous Indigenous trees in Australia and is typically found in coastal regions. The Red Cedar was impressive in size, reaching a height of 40 meters and a trunk width of 10 meters.

The timber was shipped to Milingimbi, where Uncle Steve joined the Manapan team to manufacture and carve the table. 

The carving includes a story around the edge of table about the Rainbow Serpent, a dreaming story known to First Nations people around Australia.

The middle of the table tells the story of 5 islands off the coast of Wollongong, which are rich in fish and sacred to the Dharawal people. 

Meet Uncle Steve: A Bidigal Man of Dharawal Nation

Uncle Steve is a Bidigal man of Dharawal Nation. He is the son of acclaimed artist Esme Timbery, and grandson of Hubert Timbery. His artwork draws on inspiration from his relationship to the Country around Botany Bay.

Uncle Steve says his artwork is bringing something important to the community:

"It’s for the community. It's not just about me and my family, but it’s about the community, of who we are on the east coast of New South Wales."

This project was a truly special collaboration, with clans coming together to create something connected to Country and culture. 

Manapan is an ALPA subsidiary. To find out more, visit the Manapan - Inspired Indigenous Furniture.