Naygaiw Thonar [orange dancer]

In 2016, the Memorial appointed internationally renowned Badu Islander artist Alick Tipoti (b. 1974) as an Official War Artist to document the 51st Battalion in Far North Queensland and in August 2016, Alick visited C 'Charlie' Company. From his deployment, Tipoti has created a suite of 6 paintings along with 6 lino prints titled 'ANZAC C Company' that relate to the choreography and chant of a new dance that he has created for the Sarpeye Dancers.

This is one of four paintings that depict the different seasons of the Torres Strait. It is an interpretation of ancient spiritual ancestors in dancing postures and these images are similar to those that can be found on rock paintings throughout the Torres Strait. The paint was applied so that its texture would represent the rock effect. Tipoti stated that his "reason for this style of painting [was] simply because these grandfathers were closure to our ancient culture and were very spiritual people" (Alick Tipoti, 2018). The orange colours in this painting represents dry, hot season.

Charlie Company is one of four companies from the 51st Far North Queensland Regiment based in the Torres Strait. The company plays an important role in protecting Australia's national borders that stretch between Cape York and Papua New Guinea. The nickname for the unit is 'Sarpeye' which literally translates to 'sharp-eye', and refers to the hunter-like instinct of the sea eagle which is the unit's totem. A unique identity of Charlie Company is its military dance performers known as the Sarpeye Dance Troupe. Formed in the late 1980s. it remains the only contemporary Regional Force Surveillance dance troop to perform in the Australian Army. Their dances explore ideas about contemporary camaraderie and mateship, as well as pay homage to Islander heritage of the modern day soldier. Today they are performed in both private military gatherings as well as more publicly attended Australian Defence Force events.