RICHARD WALLEY.

“Respect yourself and your Elders. Know who you are and where you come from, and if you believe in something that’s true, you stand by it”

Richard is a Noongar Statesperson, with family ties to the Wadjuk, Ballardong, Yued, Wardan, Binjarreb and Yamatji countries. He was born in Meekatharra in 1953 and grew up in the bushland surrounding Pinjarra. Richard has four children and four grandchildren.

After moving to Perth in the early 1970's, Richard became involved in the formation and operation of pioneering organisations such as the New Era Aboriginal Fellowship, the Aboriginal Housing Board, the Aboriginal Medical Service and the Aboriginal Legal Service which were crucial in providing important services to Perth's Aboriginal Community.

Over his career, Richard has made many important contributions to the arts as a musician, dancer, visual artist, writer, and as chairperson of the Aboriginal Arts Board. His work has helped to secure recognition and respect for Noongar culture. in 1976 he performed the first contemporary public Welcome to Country, a ceremony now frequently practiced to welcome non-Aboriginal people to Noongar land. Soon after he helped found Middar Aboriginal Theatre along with four friends. Middar went on to gain worldwide recognition.

Gnarla Moort (Our People) Exhibition presented by The City of Perth, 2014.

Link: www.museumofperth.com.au/gnarla-moort

Photography: Eva Fernandez