A new limited edition coin will be released by the Perth Mint today (August 13) featuring a unique Indigenous art work by WA-based Indigenous artist Kevin Bynder. Only 2000 coins featuring the proud WhadjukYuet-Ballardong man’s painting of a kookaburra on a branch have been minted and will retail for $269. It marks the third coin designed and minted as part of a new annual tradition at the Mint to celebrate the State’s Aboriginal history.
Last year’s coin was a sell out, with a majority of the buyers international coin collectors. “To know that indigenous artwork, especially from here from WA, is sitting in Germany or France or whatever it might be in someone’s coin collection is really exciting,” Mr Bynder said. As part of the initiative the Mint makes a $10,000 donation to an Indigenous charity of the artist’s choice.
This year, Mr Bynder has selected Binar Futures , as his chosen charity. Through activities like basketball, the not-for-profit assists Aboriginal youth build positive futures for themselves, their families, communities and culture. Starting out in 2011 as a one-team basketball club for Aboriginal boys from the Midland area, the organisation now provides overall support in health, wellbeing, employment and education.
Binar Futures founder and executive director Adam Desmond said as the organisation is non-government funded it relied on private and community support. “We definitely rely heavily on our own sort of fundraising and donations and things like that so something like this is really massive,” Mr Desmond said. Mr Bynder said supporting Binar was a “no brainer”.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Adam and the work that Binar does for the community. It’s good for the kids to be able to have mentors through that program that allows them to succeed, not just in the sporting sense but in life,” Mr Bynder said. Inspired by WA’s natural environment, Mr Bynder’s works reflects the history and knowledge of his people who have lived on Nyoongar country for tens of thousands of years.
The coin took more than six months to develop, with final approvals required nationally and after waiting for specialist stamping-type tools to be made for the unique design. Mr Bynder has a diverse portfolio of striking works, including Indigenous guernsey designs for high-profile sporting franchises, murals for both public and private spaces. It comes as the State Government will tighten its controls over operations and spending of the Gold Corporation, which oversees the Perth Mint.
The move follows explosive ABC revelations last year, in which the Mint had sold $27,000 worth of gold to former Hells Angels sergeant-at-arms Dayne Brajkovich..
