“Sydney’s most important story” revealed for all the world to see

To mark World Indigenous Peoples Day today [Monday 9 August], “Sydney’s most important story” will be released to the world for the first time when the State Library of NSW launches an evocative online version of Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones’ celebrated project, Sydney Elders.

“Each Elder represents different clans that have survived in Sydney,” says Jonathan. “Together, they tell Sydney’s most important story, its Aboriginal story, and how they have continued the legacy of their ancestors by actively contributing to and creating Sydney.”

Based on one of the Library’s most popular exhibitions, Sydney Elders: Continuing Aboriginal Stories, the new online edition tells a personal story of Aboriginal Sydney through four of its traditional owners — Uncle Dennis Foley, Aunty Esme Timbery, Uncle Charles ‘Chicka’ Madden and Aunty Sandra Lee.

Online visitors to the site will meet:

Uncle Charles ‘Chicka’ Madden, from Gadigal country, spent most of his life in the construction industry, working on landmark projects such as Qantas House, Gladesville Bridge, the Eastern Suburbs Railway and Carriageworks. He is an active member of the Redfern community and an artist.

Aunty Esme Timbery is a celebrated Bidjigal and Dharawal artist and Elder from the Aboriginal community of La Perouse. Like her ancestors, she is a renowned shellwork artist whose work has been widely collected.

Uncle Dennis Foley, a Gai-mariagal man from northern Sydney, has a distinguished career as an educator, researcher and author, particularly in the areas of Indigenous culture, enterprise and entrepreneurship. His book Repossession of Our Spirit reflects on the traditional owners of his country, northern Sydney.

Aunty Sandra Lee, a Dharug Elder from Blacktown, is an active member of the Western Sydney Aboriginal community who is constantly pushing for recognition of Dharug people.

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