VISIBLE
A Portrait and Storytelling Project for First Nations Families on the Central Coast
What is Visible?
Visible is an intimate portrait and storytelling project that seeks to honour the presence, pride, and everyday lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families living on the Central Coast. It captures who we are, how we live, and how we belong—on our terms.
We’re creating a living visual record that reclaims space and celebrates our people as we are: real, diverse, strong, and proud. Each portrait is made with care, centred in consent, culture, and respect.
This project is rooted in the belief that we are more than statistics. Too often, we're counted but not truly seen, visible on spreadsheets, yet invisible in the stories that shape public understanding.
This isn’t just an arts project—it’s a form of resistance. A response to being counted without being known. And a gift to future generations, who deserve to see the truth of who we are.
We Need Your Help to Make This Happen.
This project can’t happen without community.
Whether you’re a local organisation, a community leader, an Elder, a parent, or an ally, your support matters.
Right now, Visible is in its consultation and support-building phase. We're asking our community to stand behind the project so that it can move forward with strength, care, and cultural integrity.
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Why now?
The next Australian Census will take place in 2026, and once again, First Nations families will be reduced to data points in a national headcount. The last Census in 2021 revealed that:
The Central Coast is home to over 17,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—the largest First Nations population of any regional area in NSW.
This represents a 37% increase over ten years, marking the Coast as one of the fastest-growing First Nations regions in the state.
Yet despite these numbers, visibility in the media, education, and public life remains limited. Many still carry assumptions shaped by outdated stereotypes or a lack of meaningful representation.
Visible is a direct response to this imbalance.
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Why is VISIBLE important?
Because the 2026 Census will count us but it won’t show us.
Because First Nations people are more than population data.
Because visibility is power; in schools, services, policy, and public space.
Because when our families are photographed and archived with care, we shape the narrative.
Because representation matters. And right now, it’s too often missing or misrepresented.
Visible aims to bring community-led storytelling alongside the cold, statistical data. It bridges the gap between how we're counted and how we actually live, love, and raise families on Country—even when that Country is not where we’re from.
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Who is behind it?
This project is led by Ripple Narratives, a First Nations-owned cultural storytelling business based on Darkinjung Land. Our focus is on projects that honour identity, memory, and community, using photography and film to amplify voices that are too often overlooked.
Ripple Narratives is founded and led by Luke Gemmill, a proud Pakana man and father of two. As both a storyteller and parent, Luke is deeply committed to ensuring that First Nations children grow up seeing themselves and their communities reflected with strength and truth.
Most recently, Ripple Narratives exhibited two powerful cultural portrait series during NAIDOC Week in Copacabana, centring Blak and Queer identity, and life in remote Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara. With each project, we aim to create work that is not only beautiful—but meaningful, ethical, and led by community.
Where we're at now: Community Consultation
We're in the early consultation phase, and we want to hear from mob and community organisations across the Coast. This project will only move forward with strong cultural guidance and community support.
How you can support:
Register your personal or organisational support
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Offer your guidance and thoughts
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Help us build awareness across the broader community
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“Whether you’re an Elder, parent, young person, local organisation, or ally—if you believe in the importance of being visible, we’d love to hear from you.”