Bruce Pascoe

Bruce Pascoe is a crusader.  He researches history to tell the right story; grows crops to create commercial futures from native plants; researches language to maintain the flame for future generations and to help them know the strength of who they are.

Bruce is an Aboriginal Australian  writer, from the Bunurong clan, of the Kulin nation. As well as being an award winning writer, Bruce has been a teacher, farmer, a fisherman and an Aboriginal language researcher. Currently he is Director of Commonwealth Australian Studies project and is dedicated to increasing awareness of Australian history as it happened.   Most Australian history texts tell us of 'Terra Nullius' - a land empty of people.  Bruce is the author of Dark Emu a book that researches existing text from early Australian explorers, settlers and officials and uses it to show that the history we have been taught is not what actually happened as far as Aboriginal life and culture are concerned.  

Dark Emu challenges the claim that precolonial Indigenous Australians were a hunter gatherer society. The journals of early explorers, newspapers and oficial's records show the agricultural scope and sophistication of Aboriginal Australians when the explorers arrived - illuminating our past in order to light the future.  

Bruce is involved in cultivating murnong yams and other indigenous crops to promote their commercial distribution.  Did you know that the first bread was baked in Australia over 30,000 years ago, 15,000 years before the Egyptians used flour to bake bread? We have such great stories in Australia - it is time to learn more of them. 

Norman Tindale documented aboriginal grain crops covering most of the Australian continent but contemporary grain areas make up less than a quarter of that area. What might happen if we explore those traditional grains and how they were grown in areas we now call desert? There is much to learn from our past to help build a stronger Australian future.         

"You can't eat our foods if you can't swallow our history."

You can learn more about Bruce at Magabala Books and get a copy of Dark Emu 

Listen to Bruce recount the observations of early explorers about the sophistication and breadth of Aboriginal Aquaculture and agriculture.

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2016/05/17/bruce-pascoe-storytelling-history-and-cultural-pride

 Waverley Stanley

“Everyone has a destiny in life and mine was education.”

When you meet Waverley Stanley you know he is a man on a mission.  He is focused on a specific goal - creating educational opportunities for Indigenous children. 

When Waverley was at school his primary school teacher Rosemary Bishop saw something special in him and secured him a scholarship to a private college Toowoomba Grammar School.  He is passing that opportunity on to as many children as he and his wife Llew can, and giving them the support to succeed.  Education provides choices in life.  Choices that can strengthen young lives and the communities they come from.

Waverley is open hearted, direct and determined. He is connecting with schools, big business, philanthropists and rural communities to give children a better chance. He is descended from the Wakka Wakka people, with ancestors from the Barungam people of Chinchilla.

Yalari, which means ‘child’ in the Birra Gubba language, is a scholarship program that sends 170 students a year to some of Australia’s best private schools.  The ABC Australian Story made a story about Waverley’s story called Paying it Forward.

You can learn more about Yalari or get involved here 

You can watch the wonderful program Australian Story did about Waverley and Llew's work  here Paying it forward

Watch the time lapse video of the creation of the portrait.

I had the opportunity to present the portrait to Waverley for the first time at Queens College Melbourne while the year 11 camp was taking place.  I explained to the students that when something looks to big to solve and you feel too small to tackle such a high mountain - remember you do have what it takes - look to your strengths and take one step.  Only then can you see the next step and you're on your way.  It was wonderful to see the joy and love reflected in the students faces as I unveiled the portrait of someone they love.

Veronica Barnett 

Veronica is driven by her passion for teaching Indigenous culture.  She is a respected Wathaui Elder from far north Queensland.  Known as an artist she acts as a guide at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre in the Melbourne Museum.  She works with the Sustainability School Awards to develop sustainability awareness and practice.  This is a way of passing on learning to a broad variety of people and teaching about the strengths of Aboriginal culture. 

Walking through the Milliari garden I was fascinated by her stories and gained infinitely more with Veronica as my guide than I ever could have by walking it without her.  The Indigenous ethos is consistent - when you take you give back.  Respect for the land is connected with self respect and identity.

Veronica is fun and the other guides tell me how she is known for getting into the water with the eels and tickling their silver tummies.  The eels are fed at the Milarri garden at 1.45 daily.

Veronica's paternal grandmother was full blood Bamaga and her mother's heritage is Thursday Islander.  Until she was 20 she lived a more traditional lifestyle.  Veronica began painting after painting the shed with her brother and finding that she had something to say through art.  Her art helped her connect to her own story and that of her country.  Known for her weaving and paintings she has displayed her work at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, RMIT, Melbourne Museum and many galleries and private collections.  Her father taught her to weave the lawyer cane up north and in this portrait she is weaving me a bracelet from Lomandra that is used from cape York down to Victoria for nets, baskets and food.

Veronica has a strong connection with young people and has worked with them in many ways to help them find their path.  By passing on what she has learned to the next generation Veronica hopes to strengthen young lives so they flourish as proud Indigenous people who can pass that knowledge on and strengthen future generations.  To young Indigenous people Veronica wants to say;

Be proud of your Culture

Be proud of who you are

Respect your elders and the people you associate with and they will respect you back.

Major Lancelot Sumner AM

Major Lancelot Sumner AM (Uncle Moogy) senior elder of the Ngarrindjeri people of the Coorong in South Australia is a living icon. His compassion and devotion to helping others seems boundless. 

He is one of Australia's most respected elders and has been working to develop local, national and international communities for over 30 years.  He was appointed a Merit of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his significant service to Indigenous communities in South Australia.  He is a member of the World Archaeological Congress and has been a member of the South Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council since 2011. He is also a member of the World Council of Elders.   Uncle Moogy is the proud patron of Wayapa Wurrk Aboriginal Wellness Foundation; a Director of Talkingjeri Aboriginal Corporation and sits on the International Indigenous Repatriation Committee.  He is the driving force behind Ringbalin, an annual ceremony since 2010 that dances the spirit back into the Murray River. 

Major Sumner wants to show to the Australian people that Aboriginal culture is about sharing and working together for the benefit of the whole community. He made sure, to the best of his abilities that his contributions to public life in the areas of Aboriginal health, social welfare, youth and cultural heritage is benefiting everyone.  

Uncle Moogy invited me to a corroboree on the coorong - The Dupang Festival, and I heard many people tell of how his work in dance through the Tal-kin-jeri dance group has deeply affected and changed their lives.  So many people from many cultures described how they found confidence, community and a stronger  connection to self through indigenous dance. There were cues of people waiting to speak to him, film him work with him and he had patience and calm for everyone.  It was a deeply moving experience.

The Sumner family lived in Canada for a while to learn more about incorporating Indigenous justice and law into modern law systems.  Bringing old and new systems together is the best way to build stronger futures. Like others I have met through this project he understands that change comes about through action on many fronts.

In the Sumner home, Uncle Moogy's  four and five year old grandchildren Leanna and Major mark out my arms and legs counting out how they would paint me in ochre.  When I ask them if the 'shake a leg' dance means just making up a dance or is it something specific? They have me up straight away -"Now stand beside me so you can learn the movements." I do as I'm bid and learn to fly and then run like an emu, "Now I wont say start I'll just stamp my foot and you start, so watch me and you'll learn".  My instructors are encouraging, dynamic, filled with enthusiasm and energy and I treasure the memory.  They have been taught by a Master.

NB: Thursday May 2018 saw Major Sumner nominate for preselection for the Federal seat of Mayo in South Australia.  Mayo covers the Adelaide hills down to Goolwa and is thus the traditional land of which he is Elder. We wish you every success. Ngarrindjeri is Here!

Uncle Moogy is singing 'Ngarrindjeri is Here'.

If you are in Adelaide you can join in the Tal-kin-jeri dance rehearsals on Friday nights.

Tiffany Garvie

Tyrone Bean

Tyrone Bean is a proud Aboriginal Australian currently teaching in the Yiramalay Studio School Program at Wesley College. He acknowledges both sides of his family being Aboriginal and Australian.  Through his maternal side of the family, he has Kabi-Kabi, Wakka Wakka and Bindal bloodlines hailing from South East Queensland and Townsville as well as English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish bloodlines through his paternal side of the family.

Through his life motto "Make the Impossible Possible" Tyrone has shown determination to become the first member of his family to reach past year 10 and to further study a postgraduate degree and to become the first Aboriginal teacher to be employed by Wesley College.  Tyrone studied a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education which he completed in June 2017.  Tyrone is passionate about the notion of walking in two worlds, faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students whilst attending boarding school and this is where his thesis and proposed research will take him.  This flowed into policy, where Tyrone has worked on the Ormond College Reconciliation Action Plan, leading the Queen’s College Reconciliation Action Plan and whilst interning at the Humanitarian Advisory Group, he also lead the Reconciliation Action Plan. 

In 2017 along with the Indigenous round at the University Blacks in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, which has recently had a name change, Wan'diny bun'ma at the Main, which translates to "Gather Together and Lift up" in Kabi-Kabi language, Tyrone was a recognised finalist for student of the year at the inaugural Dreamtime awards.  This recognition came from his work in youth programs including the "Raise the Bar" academy in which Tyrone has played a pivotal part in both as the lead mentor and starting. Becoming the inaugural Indigenous Student Support Officer at Queen's College. Tyrone was selected to present his thesis titled ‘Thriving not surviving: Exploring the notions of success and cultural identity in urban boarding school opportunities for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education in Toronto, Canada after completing his Masters of Teaching (Secondary) and starting his Masters of Education.  Was selected to represent the VAFA representative side in Ireland and later becoming the first Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander teacher at Wesley College.

Tyrone has had years of experience in youth work, particularly with Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), the Reach foundation and the Raise the Bar academy. At all three places Tyrone has been a mentor, facilitator and program coordinator.  Tyrone has used this experience to his advantage where he has introduced AIME into the Yiramalay Studio School program at Wesley College and created his own mentoring program between Queen's College and the Yiramalay Studio School to encourage, facilitate, inspire and promote Individual greatness leading Indigenous becoming synonymous with success. 

While I was painting at the Melbourne Museum I found my self surrounded by kids from the Kimberley (the serendipity in this project is constant) and I got chatting with their teacher - Tyrone.

Tyrone is pictured here in front of Queens College Melbourne where he was the first Aboriginal student in residence and set up the first Aboriginal support program.  His portrait shows his feeling of standing in two worlds and being comfortable in both of them.

Jamie Marloo Thomas

Jamie is a Gunnai leader and cultural mentor passionately committed to helping people connect with who they are so they can create stronger futures. Born in his traditional place called Dura (Orbost VIC) Jamie is also descended from the Gunditmara people of the Western district of Victoria.  He is the CoFounder and Executive Director of Wayapa Wuurk.  Wayapa is about creating a lifestyle to keep you connected and well.

"Today, for most of us, we have become disconnected from the land, from our tribe, from our food and from our Spirit.  Through Earth mindfulness, deep breathing and narrative meditation and movement, Wayapa® provides a sense of belonging to the Earth while creating holistic wellbeing."

"I share Wayapa Wuurrk as a way to connect humans back to their relationship with the land, Mother Earth.  As one of the oldest continueing cultures on the planet I believe Australian Aboriginal people have a lot to share.  Wayapa shows and reminds us all that we are all descended from a time when we all cared for the land and it cared for us."

Jamie has brought Wayapa to corporations, schools, communities and countless individuals.  Wayapa strengthens us through reviving our relationship with the earth. Learn more about Wayapa Wurrk HERE    

John Patten

John Patten is an educator, historian, writer, illustrator, film-maker and designer. 

Hailing from Far Northern NSW,  John is a Bundjalung / Yorta Yorta man on his father’s side, and a descendant of First Fleet convicts, Irish rebels and the Saami people of Lapland via his mother.

Steeped in the history and living cultures of his people, John  who takes great joy in sharing knowledge as well as learning from others.

“I’ve an absolute thirst for history. I live and breathe it. If I find myself with any amount of spare time I’ll either be found in my library doing research, or outside in my backyard, carving traditional tools and weapons until late into the evening.”

An aspiring author, playwright and jack of all trades, John holds qualifications in business management, graphic design, education, genealogy and information technology. John works with Museums Victoria.

When I was preparing to meet John and read how his Grandfather John Patten, was one of Australia's leading activists, his father John Patten a prize fighter and respected Law man in NSW and then John's own accomplishments, I thought this guy is the renaissance man.  Leila Gurruwiwi explained to me that in Aboriginal Culture there is no separation of art, science or philosophy, much like the ancient greeks.  And now I see that it is common for achievement across many areas in the modern Aboriginal community.

I have painted John in the much loved Milarri Garden, the native garden that was established while John worked and managed the Bunjilaka Museum at the Melbourne Museum.

NAIDOC Week - National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee

Leila Gurruwiwi

Leila is one of Australia's best loved sports presenters.  Getting her start with Radio 3KND 'Cool 'n'Deadly' she is a journalist, producer, actor, social activist and business owner. Leila sees herself  an 'ambassador for difference' supporting many marginalised groups to help them stand strong. 

Born in north east Arnhem Land, Leila and her family came down to Bendigo when she was small in order to get a better education.  In 2007 Grant Hansen offered her a role as a reporter on the Marngrook Footy Show.  At that time 50% of AFL memberships were held by women but this wasn't reflected in the associated media.  Leila was shy and just out of school but Grant said 'You know your footy' and threw her in the deep end. This began her association with voicing the perspectives of two underrepresented groups in the AFL community, women and Indigenous people.  

As well as MC-ing high profile events and sitting on expert panels Leila mentors young girls through the Wirrpanda Foundation's Deadly Sista Girlz program and tutors at the Pavillion School, a school for young people who have been disengaged or excluded from mainstream education.  Leila also is an actor in the award-winning television series The Secret River and Glitch.

Leila and her partner Zach Green opened Elijah's Kitchen pop up restaurant in Darwin this year which specialises in sensational bush food and giving a voice to Indigenous issues.

Deborah Cheetham AO

A world-renowned Indigenous opera singer, composer, playwright and creator of Australia’s first Indigenous opera. Deborah has a passion and strong commitment to improving access to careers in the arts for young Indigenous Australians.

A Yorta Yorta woman, Deborah Cheetham AO is a soprano, composer, playwright, producer, director and educator. Since her international debut in 1997, Deborah has performed in theatres and concert halls across Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, and at the opening ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Deborah created Australia's first Indigenous opera - Pecan Summer.  In April 2007, she was awarded a two year Fellowship from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board of the Australia Council for the ArtsAustralia’s first Indigenous opera.  The success of Pecan Summer led her to establish the Short Black Opera Company, a national not-for-profit organisation devoted to the development of Indigenous opera singers.

Currently Associate Dean (Indigenous) at the Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, having served as the Head of the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development from 2011 - 2014. Under Deborah’s leadership The Wilin Centre advanced it’s reputation for providing Indigenous artists with pathways to a future in the visual and performing arts and promotes and supports their dreams and aspirations. In 2010, Ms Cheetham was a finalist for the Australian of the Year in Victoria and in 2014 she was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to the performing arts as an opera singer, composer and artistic director, to the development of Indigenous artists and to innovation in performance. In March 2015 Ms Cheetham was inducted into the Honour Roll of Women in Victoria.  Deborah serves on the Board of Directors of Parks Victoria 2003-2006 Deborah served on the Board of the Australia Day Council of NSW.

I really wanted to include Deborah in this series as she is achieving excellence in her space and helping to build so many other's future successes.  A friend who I sing with suggested Deborah and we both set about trying to contact her.  Due to my random way of finding  contact details (Google) I had not met with success, but said to Andy "I'm not giving up I really want Deborah for the project".  Next thing I walked straight into her at the market... As Den the Fish says "The old people are watching over you..."

In her portrait she has ochre in her hair as she is preparing to sing the role of the Spirit Caller in Milky Way the ballet by Larrikia Choreographer Gary Lang.  This beautiful ballet was created in collaboration with the WA Ballet Company in January this year. In this portrait she is painted in reverse as if looking into the mirror of time.

Gina Williams

Pure, haunting vocals. Gina Williams is one of those rare performers who connects and captures audiences through the power of song. And it’s made even more special when it’s sung in rare Noongar language.

Gina has been steadily gaining a reputation across Australia for bringing a fresh, modern take on ancient traditions; merging evocative sounds, natural acoustic instruments, poignant stories with that beautiful voice.

The natural rhythms of the language are perfectly captured and represented, and there’s an endearing onstage charisma that comes from someone who, in spite of all that's happened before, simply refuses to give up.

Gina is a Balladong (Noongar) daughter with links, through her grandmother, to the Kitja people of the East Kimberley. Her music is informed by an ancient Indigenous culture and she has drawn from a deep well of recent West Australian and an even deeper personal history.

“I grew up not knowing anything about my true history. I've had to go back as an adult and learn. I don't regret this, but it means I've had to claw territory back. I wanted to learn the language, to write songs so that I could teach my children. It's an incredibly beautiful language – when I hear Noongar language I hear music, it literally sings to me.”

Performing with the all-important blessings of her elders and her community, Gina will take you on a journey you will not get anywhere else in the world. And it's one you are not likely to forget.

If you ever get the chance to hear Gina Perform - go.  She opens her heart and shares the Noongar story, her story and her families story.  I am a singer and I take particular interest in lietening to singers and I have never had an experience to match Gina's performance with Guy Ghouse.

Career Highlights:

2017 West Australian of the Year .  Winner: Indigenous Act of the Year, 2013 & 2014, 2015, 2016  West Australian Music Industry (WAMi) Awards  |  Artist of the Year: 2014 NAIDOC Perth Awards  |  Performing artist, Woodford Folk Festival  |  Performing artist, Cygnet Folk Festival (Tas)  |  Performing Artist, Illawarra Folk Festival (NSW)  |  Performing artist, Opening of the National ANZAC Centre | Performing artist, Wesfarmers Centenary Celebration Concert (with the WA Symphony Orchestra) | Opening Act, 2014 National Folk Festival | Opening Act, 2014 Fairbridge Festival | Headline Artist, 2013 Keela Dreaming Festival, WA | Opening Act, 2013 Perth International Jazz Festival | Performing Artist, 2014 Nannup Music Festival (also booked for 2015) | Performing Artist, 2013 & 2014 Nanga Music Festival | Performing Artist, 2013/14 Support; Archie Roach (WA, NSW & VIC) | Headline Artist, 2014 Jazz by the Bay, Dunsborough | Performing Artist, NAIDOC Perth Awards