A Tribute in Design
Honouring Gordana Kotevski

In 1994, 16-year-old Gordana Kotevski was abducted in Charlestown, just metres from her aunt’s home. Despite years of searching and ongoing public interest, Gordana was never found. Her disappearance remains one of the most heartbreaking unsolved cases in the region - but her memory has never faded.

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In 2025, I had the privilege of contributing to a deeply meaningful public art project dedicated to Gordana’s memory. A 26-metre mural by artist Reuben Boughtwood was unveiled at Cardiff Shopping Centre, created in close collaboration with Gordana’s family and supported by the Lake Macquarie community. Alongside this, I was asked to design a 6m x 2m interior memorial decal to accompany the mural, a permanent piece inside the centre that would honour Gordana’s story with care, empathy and respect.

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Working side by side with Gordana’s family was an incredibly moving experience. Every decision — from the tone and typography to the layout and colour palette, was guided by their input and stories. The goal was to create a quiet space within the centre where people could pause, reflect, and learn about who Gordana was: a vibrant, much-loved teenager with a deep connection to her family and Macedonian heritage.

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This project stands out as one of the most emotional and important works I’ve been part of. It’s a reminder of how design can help tell difficult stories with grace and give voice to those who are still waiting for answers. Being trusted with this tribute was a true honour, and a testament to the power of art and community to keep memories alive.

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The memorial decal is now in production, with installation underway soon. Final photos will be shared here shortly.