The City of Perth is marking NAIDOC Week celebrating the life and legacy of Whadjuk Nyoongar Elders through newly commissioned photographic portraits and oral histories. NAIDOC is to run from 8 to 15 November.
The City has commissioned photographer Eva Fernandez to capture the spirit and essence of the 10 Elders who comprise the City’s Elders Advisory Group.
The Elders are Aunty Theresa Walley, Aunty Doolan Eatts, Uncle Ben Taylor, Aunty Margaret Culbong, Aunty Muriel Bowie, Uncle Walter Eatts, Uncle Farley Garlett, Aunty Irene McNamara, Uncle Albert McNamara and Uncle Noel Nannup.
Their portraits will be displayed in an exhibition entitled Moorditj Bridyas – Solid Bosses on the ground floor of Council House from 10 November until 29 January.
Digital images of the portraits will also be displayed on the large screens at the City of Perth Library, Northbridge Piazza and the Yagan Square Digital Tower.
The Elders Advisory Group was established in 2018 and guided the City of Perth in launching its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan with the aim of moving forward together to form positive and trusting relationships.
Uncle Farley Garlett said it was important the Elders were recognised for the progress they had made with the City of Perth.
“Any opportunity we get as Elders to present a positive story, or even a negative one, to the main powers is encouraging. We’ve been lucky that the City of Perth has been receptive to the conversations we’ve had over the last few years. It has been nothing but positive,” Uncle Farley Garlett said.
“The Elders portraits recognise the hard work we have done. They tell our people and other people that there is a relationship going on between City of Perth and Whadjuk Elders.”
