A recent report launched by Australian of the Year, Mick Dodson shows that Indigenous youth are more likely to be unemployed, less likely to have completed year 12 or have post school qualifications and more likely to be in prison. However while the latest census data paints a bleak picture, there are always those dynamic individuals that not only defy statistics, but literally take the world by storm.
TO DESCRIBE all the success Willie Brim has enjoyed would require this entire article. Suffice to say, his high points have included showing the Prime Minister at the time, John Howard ,around Tjapukai as well as giving Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh the royal tour of the same complex in March, 2002. While the royal visit ensured Willie received international media attention a naive remark by the Duke meant he was caught in the center of a media frenzy, but Willie remembers the incident with amusement.
“My Dad Ivan and I were escorting the Queen and Duke to the museum,” Willie says, “The Duke was looking at the artifacts when he turned to Dad and asked him if we still throw spears at each other. Dad laughed and said, “of course we do.” Dad wasn’t offended by it, As far as I’m concerned it was simply a private joke between two old men.”
As founding member and principle dancer of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, one of the world’s best known and most traveled troupe of Aboriginal entertainers, Willie has journeyed to some of the planets most far flung destinations. “I’ve spent my life trying to keep my history alive,” the father of six tells me. “But I’m one of the lucky ones, I know my roots.”
Originally a drummer boy with the Mona Mona mission, Willie taught himself guitar and keyboard before starting his band, ‘Mantaka’. After successfully trying his hand at singing and songwriting he channeled his energy into his ancestry and completed a ranger’s course. The former chairperson of Djabugay Tribal Aboriginal Corporation was twice awarded the prestigious Cassowary Award for nature based tourism and is legendary for his community work as well as passing on his cultural knowledge.
As a leader of the Bulwai and Djabugay people, it seems only natural that older sons Aden and Astro would follow in their vibrant father’s footsteps. The pair formed a band with their Dad and a couple of friends and are already well on their way to rock star status. “Aden writes all his own songs,” Willie says proudly. “He writes and feels way beyond his age and he delivers his music in such a way he can’t help but leave his mark.” Known for their killer rhythms and uplifting lyrics, ‘Zenith’, has toured with Boney M, Katchafire and Ash Grunwald and has recently been chosen to represent Queensland at the Australasian World music expo in Melbourne. Such has been the interest in the band that they have just been offered the chance of a lifetime, with details still strictly under raps. “They’ve just been given a unique opportunity that doesn’t come by many bands,” manager Andrea Gower, explains. “I know they’re a band that’s going to impact on a world level.”
Aden is quick to point out that the reason for his success is his loving and supportive family. “I’m lucky to have such caring folks, I know a lot of kids that don’t have that,” he declares.
Similarly Willie’s niece Martha Brim, or Cookie as she is affectionately known is only too aware of the importance of encouragement. The mother of four grew up with a less than ideal childhood, but credits her strong matriarchal mother, Rhonda with the success she enjoys today. A performer with the multi-award winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Park, Martha not only entertains thousands of visitors from Australia and overseas, but went back to school to complete year 12 at the ripe old age of 28.
Today she holds certificates in Theatre skills and Work team communication and her resume is jam- packed with every conceivable award. As well as working full-time, she holds regular playgroups at her home, where kids are taught the skills to deal with impending pre-school. “My dream is for my children to have a good education,” Martha says. “That’s all I want and that they carry on their culture.”
With growing national and world interest in Australian Indigenous civilization, Martha has made it her mission to acquire as much knowledge about her traditions as possible. “I love my work,” she smiles. “I’m always learning so I can share my culture with the rest of the world.” Even Martha’s kids have joined in on the act. While eldest son Garner is a representative footballer, he’s also performed alongside his Mum, and young Kris has caused a sensation in Italy with his illustration of a Dreamtime story that’s been published in Florence. He recently featured on Italy’s public television network and book sales have taken off. “All my kids are leaders,” Martha says proudly. “We put a lot of effort into their sports and studies.”
While Martha’s career is going from strength to strength, her younger sister Georgina has enjoyed her share of the limelight. She was snatched from a huge line-up of hopefuls to star in the controversial $180 million international advertising campaign ‘Where the bloody hell are you’ to promote Australia as a tourist destination.
Further a field, Young Australian of the Year, Tania Major is the youngest ever person to be elected to ATSIC. She’s the only person within her community of Kowanyama to complete a university degree; indeed the only one to have completed year 12. With her outspoken and public discussion about a number of issues concerning the welfare of young Indigenous people, Tania has become a role model not only for Indigenous youth but for all young Australians. The Cairns based indigenous youth advocate used her profile to draw attention to domestic violence within the Aboriginal community.
“I’m proud to be an Aboriginal Australian and to have been recognized and acknowledged for the work I’m involved in,” she says.
Like Tania, Willie, Martha, Georgina and Aden have made it their role to shift a whole mindset. There are many shining examples in our community whether in-group situations such as the Kuku Yalanji tribe integrating their wisdom with spa treatments at the Daintree Eco Lodge or energetic and talented individuals that are breaking down barriers and paving the way for their Indigenous counterparts.
As the oldest surviving Indigenous culture in the world, it’s as Prime Minister Rudd says, “a culture to take pride in,” but it’s crucial Indigenous people feel valued and respected. It’s one of the reasons Aden’s lyrics are full of messages of hope.
He’s mastered the ability to harness the issues of young Indigenous Australians and put their stories and struggles into songs. His dream is to encourage Indigenous youth to make the most of their lives.
“You can be anything you want to be, the sky’s the limit,” Aden sings, composing his latest lyrics. “I believe that with all my heart,” he nods with a confident smile.
As Mick Dodson said at his address at the National Press Club in Canberra:
“The education revolution begins and ends with people, I challenge us to think anew, because through new thoughts old habits will be broken and new ground will be broken.”
