Meet Sarah Kopeky

Sarah Kopeky is a proud Maralinga woman living and creating on Gubbi Gubbi Country. A highly talented Aboriginal dot-paint artist, Sarah has been creating art throughout her life, drawing inspiration from culture, storytelling, family, identity, and community. While art has always been a central part of her life, she officially registered her business after connecting with Many Rivers.

Sarah’s artworks reflect her deep cultural connections and personal journey, sharing stories of resilience, strength, and belonging through vibrant colours and intricate dot work. Her passion for art is evident in every aspect of her life. As Sarah describes it, “every part of my life is surrounded by art and dots” and even her home is filled with her colourful creations.

Before Starting the Business

Before establishing her business, Sarah dedicated much of her life to raising her six children while pursuing art as a hobby. She also sold handmade creations, including 3D printed products and plaster-of-Paris pieces, at local markets.

Her previous work experience includes roles in baking, cleaning, and caring for her family. Over time, her passion for art continued to grow, eventually becoming the driving force behind her business journey.

Finding Many Rivers

Sarah discovered Many Rivers through Facebook and immediately reached out for support. This connection marked a turning point, helping her transform her lifelong passion for art into a structured business.

Why Sarah Started Her Business

Sarah has overcome significant personal and family challenges throughout her life. Building her business has given her an opportunity to share Aboriginal culture through authentic artwork, create greater independence for herself and her family, and strengthen connections to culture, community and identity.

Support Received from Many Rivers

Sarah credits Many Rivers with helping her recognise the value of her work and build confidence in herself as an artist and business owner.

She describes her business coach, Kristy, as opening “a window of inspiration and opportunity” and supporting her to bring family and cultural connection into the community through her artwork. Sarah also appreciated feeling genuinely comfortable and supported throughout the coaching relationship. She said that Kristy is so comfortable to work with, I feel like I have known her for years”

Most Valuable Assistance

As a highly visual learner, Sarah found the Many Rivers Record Management Kit and Cash Book particularly useful.

The paper-based resources sparked positive childhood memories and encouraged greater organisation and creativity within her business. The simple, visual format helped make record-keeping and business management more accessible and enjoyable.

Future Business Growth

Sarah is planning to apply for a Many Rivers loan to purchase additional art supplies, particularly paint, as she prepares for upcoming festivals, markets, and the important Christmas sales period.

Current Business Operations

Sarah currently works full-time in her business, focusing on creating artwork and developing new collections. At present, she does not employ any staff.

Biggest Challenges

Sarah identifies her greatest challenges as:

Learning how to budget effectively.
Understanding business priorities.
Developing structure and systems.

Despite these challenges, she remains committed to learning and continues to build her business skills and confidence and is grateful for Kristys support in making sure she operates with a high level of compliance.

Biggest Successes

One of Sarah’s proudest achievements was participating in the Horizon Festival 2026, where she sold six artworks and was interviewed by Channel 7 through Equity Works.

Another significant moment was meeting MP Fiona Simpson and personally thanking her for support provided during difficult periods in Sarah’s life. This opportunity was both meaningful and memorable.

Impact on Family and Community

Since starting her business, Sarah has experienced a stronger connection to her heritage, family, culture, art, and community.

Her increased confidence and sense of purpose have encouraged her to continue learning, growing, and pursuing new opportunities. She has also donated numerous artworks to community organisations, including rehabilitation, alcohol and drug support services, as a way of giving back and recognising the valuable work these organisations do within the community. For Sarah, art is more than a business. It is a pathway to cultural connection, healing, creativity, and community impact. Through her work, she continues to celebrate her culture while inspiring others with her resilience, generosity, and artistic talent.