Richard Walley

This site is run by Dr. Richard Walley OAM and his family 


Richard WalleyRichard is one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal performers and writers. His life has been incredibly diverse and full of achievements.
order-of-australia-medal

Aboriginal Politics & Culture

Richard became involved with Aboriginal politics at an early age, having active involvement in the formation and operation of the Aboriginal Housing Board, the Aboriginal Medical Service, Legal Service and the New Era Aboriginal Fellowship.

Through his involvement, Richard first became aware of the potential of Aboriginal culture to give the Nyoongar people a sense of pride and identity. This awareness grew throughout the years, as Richard ‘learned’ about his own culture, moving into the world of Theatre and the Arts.

 

Middar Aboriginal Dancers

In 1978, Richard along with four other Aboriginals formed the Middar Aboriginal Theatre. Middar during its lifetime took the Nyoongar culture to 32 different countries on all the Earth’s continents and to a live audience of some 10,000,000 people in total.

Over the past ten years, Richard has been working with Australian, European and American companies as a cultural consultant and presenter. Aveda engaged Richard to advise on their cultural protocols. Richard has participated at the Centrefolia Conferences in France over the past 5 years presenting Culture and Indigenous business opportunities.

Richard participates in the Natural Stewardship Resource Meetings in France.

Lectures on Aboriginal Culture at the University of Western Australia.

Continual participation in Nyoongar cultural and contemporary events including Survival Day Concert and the Wardanji Festival.

Richard performs Welcome to Country ceremonies regularly for the community, business and government sectors.

Richard delivers Cultural Awareness and Cultural Learning programmes with a team from his company Aboriginal Productions and Promotions to the public and private sector – including an ongoing contract with BHP.

Achievements

Some of Richard’s other credits include (but are not limited to);

2013

  • Cultural Advisor to the New Museum Project – University of WA
  • Cultural Advisor to the New Children’s Hospital – Perth WA
  • Co-lecturer of Aboriginal Voices unit at UWA
  • Cultural Awareness program delivery to BHP FIFO workers

2012

  • Member of the Cultural Advisory Group for a proposed Nyoongar Cultural Centre (SW Aboriginal Cultural Centre)
  • Cultural Advisor to the Aboriginal Health Unit within WA Department of Health
  • Cultural Awareness program delivery to BHP FIFO workers

2011

  • Delivery of Cultural Inductions for mining company staff.
  • Panellist on cultural issues for Nomad Two Worlds – Los Angeles.
  • Opening and Welcoming performance for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Perth.
  • Artist for the CHOGM Nomad Two Worlds Project.
  • Performed a Welcome to Country ceremony for the Queen during CHOGM at the Big Aussie BBQ event.
  • Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Group for the proposed Aboriginal Cultural Centre as part of the Perth Waterfront Development.
  • Cultural Awareness program delivery to BHP FIFO workers

2010

  • Awarded the Citizen of the Year – Indigenous leadership category.
  • Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Group for the proposed Aboriginal Cultural Centre as part of the Perth Waterfront Development.

Pre 2010

  • 1991 named the NAIDOC Aboriginal Artist of the Year
  • 1993 awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the Arts and the promotion of the Nyoongar culture.
  • Served two four (4) year terms as the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council.
  • Successfully wrote and performed stage plays, both locally and internationally.
  • Completed the recording of seven didgeridoo CD’s.
  • 1997, served as a Member for the Centenary of Federation Council for 12 month term.
  • 2001, Richard was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Murdoch University for his contribution to Culture and the Arts.
  • In 2004, held an Art Exhibition in Holland with live performances in Holland, USA and France.
  • In 2004, Richard worked with several people to formulate the Songman Circle of Wisdom.
  • 2005/2006, Cultural Advisor for the Nyoongar Boodja Project as part of the Perth International Arts Festival 2006.
  • In 2006, The University of Western Australia awarded Richard with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters – for his contribution to the arts and culture.
  • Cultural performances in Calgary, Canada at a Native American Summit.
  • Presentation with artist Brendon Darby at the G’day USA trade show in New York and Houston.
  • 2007, Cultural presentation at G’day USA celebrations in New York and Los Angeles.