Recognising National Reconciliation Week 2025
In recognition of National Reconciliation Week, Mates4Mates is sharing the story of Aboriginal artist, Ma’sud Ghungarie Sanders who recently created a beautiful piece of artwork for their Head Office.
Recognising National Reconciliation Week 2025
26 May 2025
In recognition of National Reconciliation Week, Mates4Mates is sharing the story of Aboriginal artist, Ma’sud Ghungarie Sanders who recently created a beautiful piece of artwork for their Head Office.
National Reconciliation Week, recognised annually from 27 May to 3 June, is a time to learn about Australia's histories and cultures, and explore how each of us can work toward achieving reconciliation in Australia.
In 2025, Mates4Mates was honoured to work with local Aboriginal artist, Ma'sud Ghungarie Sanders who created a beautiful piece for the organisation titled 'Munjoorum', which translates to "together".
Ma'sud is a proud Munanjhalli and Ghangulu man through his maternal grandfather, and a proud GoorengGooreng man through his maternal grandmother.
Explaining his connection to painting, Ma'sud said he has always had a natural affinity for creating artwork since his childhood, appreciating that he gets to literally "paint the picture" for others.
"For me, having my culture intertwined with my artwork is a great way for me to tell a story," he said.
"I really enjoyed painting 'Munjoorum' as Mates4Mates gave me the freedom to create whatever I saw from the word 'together'."
'Munjoorum' represents the safe place Mates4Mates offers veterans and families to connect with peers with similar stories and experiences without fear of judgement, with different elements of the artwork encompassing the core values of Mates4Mates: Integrity, Compassion, Innovation and Collaboration.
At Mates4Mates, we acknowledge the significant contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans have made to the Australian Defence Force, and we recognise their service and commitment.
Mates4Mates Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan through Reconciliation Australia guides our reconciliation journey across the organisation, ensuring recognition of Indigenous veterans and families who sadly did not receive that same respect in the past.
Mates4Mates is committed to supporting all veterans and families and our team is here to welcome anyone who is in need of support.
For more information on how Mates4Mates can support all veterans and families impacted by service, call us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.
To find out more about Ma’sud’s artwork, visit his Instagram profile: @ghungarie_designs
