NAIDOC Moorditj Bridyas - Solid Bosses (expired event)

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.

During NAIDOC Week, the City of Perth is celebrating the life and legacy of Whadjuk Nyoongar Elders through newly commissioned photographic portraits and oral histories. 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.

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.