As part of its recognition of Aboriginal culture and ongoing commitment towards reconciliation, the City commissioned WA photographer Eva Fernandez to capture the spirit and essence of the ten Elders who comprise the City’s Elders Advisory Group:

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.

To mark the City’s NAIDOC week celebrations, the Elders 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,” he said.

“The Elders Portraits recognise the hard work we have done – to document and leave a legacy of the Elders that have worked here. The portraits tell our people and other people that there was a relationship going on between City of Perth and Whadjuk Elders.”

Aunty Margaret Culbong said it had been empowering to work alongside her Elders as part of the City of Perth’s Elders Advisory Group.

“It is all about telling our stories and leaving a legacy behind. My Elders have been around for many years and they’ve taught me many things,” she said.

“Working with my Elders has given me the confidence to go forward, to set a pathway for generations to come so that our lore and culture can last another 40,000 to 50,000 years.”

City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the portraits were important in recognising the significant role the Elders played in shaping the City of Perth.

“The Elders are the Bridyas (bosses) and as such are recognised, valued and honoured by the City as heads of the Aboriginal community,” Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said.

“We are grateful for the knowledge and guidance the Elders have provided to help shape the City’s projects and initiatives, ensuring Aboriginal history and culture is celebrated throughout our community.

“The Elders have helped to create groundwork for moving forward, working in partnership and making things happen.”

From 8 to 15 November, the City of Perth will be recognising the NAIDOC Week theme Always Was, Always Will Be by illuminating Council House in Aboriginal colours, including the theme words. Trafalgar Bridge will also be lit up in red.

Further events occurring around the city to celebrate NAIDOC Week are listed below:

NAIDOC Library Challenge

1 to 30 November | City of Perth Library | Free | perth.beanstack.org

This November, challenge yourself to learn more about the nations, language, stories and knowledge of Aboriginal Australians in celebration of NAIDOC Week. The City of Perth Library has a range of resources to help you explore this year’s NAIDOC theme: Always Was, Always Will Be.

Surprise and delight flower hand-out

6 November | iCity Kiosk, Forrest Place | All day | Free

Visitors will be delighted by iCity Kiosk volunteers handing out Hookeriana (Banksia) to mark the beginning of NAIDOC Week. Each Banksia will feature a card in acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and the theme for 2020 NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week Opening Ceremony

8 November | Supreme Court Gardens | 12 to 4pm | Free

Featuring live performances, Aboriginal dancers, an Elders corner and community stalls, the NAIDOC Week opening ceremony is a celebration for all.

Council House Lights

8 to 15 November | Council House Lights | From 6.30pm | Free

From 8 to 15 November, the City of Perth will be recognising the NAIDOC Week theme Always Was, Always Will Be by illuminating Council House in Aboriginal colours, including the theme words. Trafalgar Bridge will also be lit up in red.

Moorditj Bridyas - Solid Bosses

10 November to 29 January 2021 | Council House | 8am to 5pm, weekdays | Free | visitperth.com

As part of NAIDOC week celebrations, the City of Perth Elders Portraits will be displayed in a Council House exhibition entitled Moorditj Bridyas - Solid Bosses. 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.

Untold Stories of Perth: Wongi mi bardup /Doing it our way

10 November | Online podcast | Free | untoldstories.perth.wa.gov.au

Wongi mi bardup / Doing it our way is the latest episode of the City of Perth’s podcast ‘Untold Stories of Perth’ and features oral histories from the City’s Elders. The episode will be released during NAIDOC week to coincide with the opening of Moorditj Bridyas: Solid Bosses exhibition.

Aussie Yarns with Ron Bradfield Junior

12 November | City of Perth Library | 6.30 to 7.30pm | Free | aussieyarns.eventbrite.com.au

Join the City of Perth Library to hear the intriguing and uplifting yarns of Ron Bradfield Jnr, a natural storyteller and proud Bardi man.

Opening of Kaal Yimniny

13 November | Hay and Irwin Streets | 4.30 to 9.30pm | Free | visitperth.com.au

The City of Perth will be opening its first ever Whadjuk named public space – Kaal Yimniny – on the corner of Hay and Irwin Streets. The new precinct is the first of its kind where pedestrians have right of way and motorists’ speed limits will be reduced to 20km/h.

Nyumbi

Every Friday from 13 November | Yagan Square | 5.30 to 6.30pm | Free | yagansquare.com.au

Yagan Square is being brought to life with a free celebration of the world’s oldest living culture every Friday night. Entitled Nyumbi, locals and visitors alike will be able to immerse themselves in Perth’s rich Nyoongar culture through traditional song and dance. Let’s meet, connect and celebrate in the heart of Perth city.

Go Cultural Tours

Tuesday to Fridays and Sundays | Locations vary | Times vary | $$ | gocultural.com.au

Experience a traditional welcome to the land of the Whadjuk people which they have called home since the beginning of time. Hear the Nyoongar story, the first story of the Whadjuk people and ancient Dreaming stories passed down through countless generations.

Weaving with Weeds with Lea Taylor

14 November | City of Perth Library | 11am to 12.30pm and 2 to 3.30pm | $20 | trybooking.com/BMAGR

Join award-winning weaver Lea Taylor to learn about the history of Aboriginal weaving and make your own bracelet.

 

Issued by: Brooke Hunter, Strategic Communications Advisor, 0448 610 834 and 08 9461 3425 (includes after hours) brooke.hunter@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

The City of Perth acknowledges the Whadjuk Nyoongar people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where Perth city is situated today, and pay our respect to Elders past and present.