Thelma Beeton is an award winning artist who creates bright, happy paintings inspired by her totem, the Tasmanian emu.

She's part of an exhibition on at the moment with her friend Stacey titled BANJ BANJ / NAWNTA or Sister / Sister.

But her path to art wasn't the typical journey. Thelma is part of The Torch program, which provides art and cultural support to Indigenous women and men who have had experience with Victoria's criminal justice system.