'Invisible': Aussie mum's mission to shield her baby from harsh truth

"It just felt like to exist is a political thing.”

When a mum leaves the house with a toddler, there are a few non-negotiables: the baby bag, plenty of nappies, and sunscreen.

But for Brandi Salmon, there’s one more essential thing she does. 

"I try to be like invisible or try to not kick up a fuss,” she told Kidspot.   

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. 

RELATED: 'What if the baby isn't white?' I have a story just like Meghan Markle's

"Don't bring any attention to yourself"

Brandi is a proud Wiradjuri and Tongan woman, and mum to a beautiful daughter.

She’s also a successful artist known for reimagining famous Western artworks by painting Indigenous women in their place. Works so striking they’ve been purchased by Olivia Rodrigo and Lorde.

But behind the acclaim is a deeper purpose. She paints to push back against the negativity she experiences, and to ensure her culture continues to empower in the face of Australia’s political climate.

Her daughter is just 20 months old, and already Brandi is thinking about how to help her daughter navigate racism. She has no choice. She has to take precautions when she leaves her house in Tasmania, for instance, deciding on what to wear. 

"I’ve got Aboriginal beanies and things... but I have to basically decide if I have the energy for someone to come up to me in public and say something. Sometimes I just don't have the energy. Some days when I feel like I'm really strong, I'm like 'yeah, I can do it,'" she explained.

Over the past few months the mum, like many Australians, has been watching the federal election campaign unfold. Amidst the political noise, one feeling stood out more than any other: fear. 

“I was trying to block out the election,” she revealed.

“It just felt like to exist is a political act.”

She remembers a chilling moment when an advertisement for Clive Palmer’s party aired on TV. Her daughter sat beside her, not yet old enough to understand. Her mum carried the weight of the undertones. 

“Our baby was there, watching TV, and this ad basically said we shouldn’t be welcome in our own country. It was on mainstream TV. I was shook. I thought, ‘This is crazy.’ It’s actually spreading like a virus," she said.

Debate surrounding Indigenous Australians has gripped public and political discourse in recent months. From the Voice referendum, to discussions about the Aboriginal flag, to the place of Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country ceremonies. 

Brandi says it has taken a real toll on the mental health and self-esteem of Indigenous Australians that she knows. 

“It’s been like a marathon of racism. I’ve never seen so much of it online in my entire life,” she reflected.  

While racism toward her culture is nothing new, she says the stakes feel different now.

“I experienced it through the eyes of a child back then. But now I’m an adult. I’m a mother. It’s different," she explained.

Anthony Albanese’s election victory speech has a profound impact on her. Image: Supplied

"“I'm trying to make a difference in my own way." 

Following Anthony Albanese’s election win, a moment from his victory speech struck a chord. She took to TikTok to share the impact it had on her.

“The things said about Aboriginal people lately have been terrifying as a young Blak mum. Hearing Albo acknowledge Country after his win gave me shivers and brought me a lot of relief. For me and for my daughter's future,” the text on the clip read. 

What surprised her most was the response.

She braced for backlash in the comments, but instead she was met with support.

“The change, oh my god. It’s been so nice to see. Most young people I talk to are really on the same page," she expressed. 

Now, Brandi believes it’s up to parents to keep that momentum going. To help shape the way future generations see and speak about Indigenous people.

“The image a lot of people still have of Aboriginal people isn’t good. So I really think it’s important for adults and parents to talk to their children about it," she explained. 

She also encourages others to be open and willing to learn. 

“I think a lot of people are too afraid to ask Aboriginal people questions. I think that most Blak fellas I know would be really happy if people and kids ask them questions if they don't know. I wouldn't be offended,” she shared. 

And as for her daughter, she hopes to pass down a simple but powerful message. 

“All I can really do is just show that regardless of what is happening, just follow your dreams and just work as hard as you can,” she said. 

“I'm trying to make a difference in my own way. I think that will be like the best foundation for my baby to see.” 

In a world that she feels invisible, Brandi is choosing to be seen for her beautiful little girl. 

Originally published as 'Invisible': Aussie mum's mission to shield her baby from harsh truth