Elder’s story on screen

With eyes that are fading and diabetes she blames on her love of chips and cola, well-respected Noongar elder Theresa Walley says she has had a good life.

A painter and author, Ms Walley is looking forward to NAIDOC week and the screening of her life-long story as part of a documentary entitled The Living Narratives of our Community.

The City of Kwinana, in partnership with the Film and Television Institute, is showcasing the documentaries in a free event at the Koorliny Arts Centre on Thursday, June 30, from 1-3pm.

City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said it was an opportunity to recognise those in the community who worked tirelessly to preserve the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Ms Walley was born in Kellerberrin in 1937, but was removed from her parents at a young age and sent to Carrolup Native Settlement before eventually finding her family and settling in the Peel region.

“My life has been really good,” she said.

“Sure, I’ve had my ups and downs but I got out of that rut and went to Tafe, which started off my books.

“Working together is my biggest aim — children going to school well-fed, well-looked after and not going astray because of the hopelessness of not doing anything.”

Ms Walley has written a number of books, both in English and Noongar, worked as a tour guide and is having some of her artwork featured at Elizabeth Quay.

“Even now with my eyesight fading, I’ve got a funny way of doing things now, so I can still enjoy creating artwork,” she said.

The documentary will also feature the stories of the Jetta family, Laurel Nannup and the Medina Aboriginal Culture Centre and is part of a major project led by FTI to preserve the stories of Aboriginal elders.

Project manager Michelle Broun said they were an important resource for future generations.

“It’s a Statewide project with national significance,” she said.

Bookings are required for the screening. Contact 9439 0203 to secure your seat.