Safer Cities: Her Way

Ebony Wightman is a Dharug based visual artist, creative leader and disability advocate with a passion for systems thinking, social justice and access for all. Ebony is inspired by the immersive power of created environments. Utilising techniques in sculpture, painting, illustration and ceramics, Ebony’s contemporary art practice communicates and explores her lived experience as an autistic person with complex health needs and chronic illness, as well as intersectional rights and identities of d/Deaf and Disabled communities. Ebony is a co-founder of We Are Studios, a disability consultant for Get Skilled Access and a freelance communications designer, working across digital, print and packaging design.

Kiri Smith is a mixed-media artist, Blacktown local and mother to two young girls. Her work is a journey of self-exploration in which she seeks to make sense of her own identity and foster a space in which her psyche can heal from the effects of intergenerational trauma and abuse. Kiri’s artwork often examines themes surrounding physical appearance and body image and how they relate to people’s self-concept and emotions.

Miah Tito-Barratt is a genderqueer, multidisciplinary emerging artist who is developing a practice in theatre, sound, installation and visual arts. Miah’s practice currently explores the nature of their disabilities and queer identity, playing with how different mediums can capture this experience. They recently exhibited in WE ARE at Balcktown Arts (2023). Miah is an experience workshop facilitator for Shopfront Arts and We Are Studios with strengths in working with young people and people with disability.

Adienne Proud is an emerging artist and illustrator working in the medium of ink and paper. In her work, Adrienne uses her detailed illustrations to explore themes of identity and social justice. Adrienne uses the pen to articulate her inner dialogue, weaving narratives, and inviting viewers into her imaginative universe. Adrienne’s work features fantastical imagery, illustrating the beauty, strength, and complexity of women, their form, and the diverse spectrum of the female experience intertwined with anthropomorphic creatures and botanical elements.

Winnie Dunn is a Tongan-Australian writer from Mount Druitt. She is the General Manager of Sweatshop Literacy Movement and the editor of several critically acclaimed anthologies, including Sweatshop Women (2019) and Another Australia (2022). Winnie’s debut novel is Dirt Poor Islanders (2024).

Natalia Figueroa Barroso is a Uruguayan-Australian writer of Charrua Nation, African and Iberian origins who was raised between the uncoded lands of Charrua Nation and Dharug Country. Her work has appeared in SBS voices, Kindling and Sage, Between Two Worlds, The Big Issue, Puentes Review, Meanjin and Mascara Literary Review. Natalia’s forthcoming debut novel is Hailstones Fell Without Rain (2025)

Leila Frijat is an illustrator and artist with a keen interest in creating works that memorialise meaningful places and icons that inspire feelings of belonging and home. With a varied illustrative style, Leila has worked on a wide diversity of commissioned projects that are playful and invite audience members to look closer and discover smaller details that reflect their local community. She is also an artist and designer with work spanning across interactive installations, drawings, videography and photography.

With over 15 years industry experience, Kareena has played a crucial role in bringing a visual voice to brands and projects of various scales and bringing client’s ideas to life. She has extensive experience in both the digital and print space; from social media design, email campaigns, brand identity, pitch and credential decks to publications, point of sale, signage, interactive installations and packaging. In addition to Kareena’s design expertise, she provides copywriting support for many of her clients.

Kareena’s portfolio spreads across a broad range of industries which is something she strives to continue to expand. She is passionate about her work and takes pride in delivering projects on time, going above and beyond and maintaining a high standard of communication and quality of work.

Caterina Pacialeo is a photographic artist living and working in Sydney Australia.

Her work focuses on environmental portraits, representing people, places and diversity. Her photographic prints demand reflection on the mental conditioning of reality, dreams, interactions and conformity. Caterina graduated from College of Fine Ars UNSW with a BA in Fine Arts in 1989, and a Master of Art in photomedia 2008. Caterina has held solo exhibitions and has been a finalist, awarded and participated in several group exhibitions here in Australia and the USA. Caterina has in-depth technical skills, with the appreciation for quality and attention to detail in her work.