Biosis is excited to announce continued investment in the local communities that our staff live and work. Part of Biosis' community investment program includes purchasing an original artwork from a local Aboriginal artist that speaks to the spirit of Country.

The 2025 investment includes the purchase of a stunning piece of work called Of Earth III for our Newcastle Office by Wiradjuri artist Lauren Freestone. Freestone lived on Awabakal Country for over a decade, now known as Newcastle, and regularly painted the unique coastline in muted browns and sandstone, her signature colour palette.

Walking along Nobby's Beach or The Bogey Hole you can see how the painting mirrors the layers of natural ancient sediment exposed by the cliff face; sandstone, shale, coal and conglomerate were all compressed together over millions of years. Woven beautifully throughout is the contrasting black deposits of Nikkin (coal). The coal seamline was an important commodity for the Awabakal people and a significant reason for the development of the region post-colonisation.

Thankyou Lauren Freestone for entrusting us to care for this beautiful homage to the layers of history embedded in the work Of Earth III.

Of Earth III by artist Lauren Freestone.

Lauren Freestone is a proud Wiradjuri woman, mother and artist. She shared this with us about her practice and the work.

" I have been surrounded by art most of my life with my Dad, Lee Freestone, also being an artist. My work draws inspiration from my great grandparents Wiradjuri homelands, Gumbaynggirr Country where I grew up and Awabakal Country where I called home for just over 12 years. I love to use earthy colours alongside a blend of different mediums to creatively capture the textures and colours of Country. This artwork is inspired by the sandstone cliffs on Wiradjuri and Awabakal Country. The beautiful textures and blended tones of the sandstone met with the sharp contrast of the coal seams. Each layer of the earth formed by the elements over thousands of years. Each layer changing with time. The heavily textured mediums create depth and mimic the rawness of the landscape."

Lauren Freestone

Artist Lauren Freestone painting the artwork series Of Earth.

The artwork will be displayed in our Newcastle Office for others to enjoy, and a gentle reminder to Biosis staff to tread softly on Country.

Newcastle Biosis Senior Ecologist Zackary Renner with Biosis Technical Director of Ecology Mitchell Palmer and the artwork Of Earth III by Lauren Freestone.