2021 Australian of the Year Local Hero- Rosemary Kariuki

Rosemary Kariuki is 2021 Australian of the year local hero; she works with the NSW police as a multicultural community liaison officer. Rosemary suffered from violence in Kenya; but has not allowed her trauma to cripple her with fear. I painted Rosemary dressed in her traditional Kenyan outfit, standing in front of a wall which signifies issues that are not spoken about, only as graffiti on a wall. Her hand raised, palm out, as if saying “No”. She is moving forward in a protective stance. The painting shows her resilience and strength. She is known as the “big Mamma”.