Gordon stays connected to his Noongar roots this NAIDOC

This NAIDOC Week, Jurien Bay local Gordon is celebrating the many achievements of his family that span back to World War II.

Born in Narrogin on Noongar country, the Bolton Clarke Jurien Bay retirement village resident says he now celebrates his culture to preserve the many stories that have contributed to modern Australia.

“NAIDOC is a time to acknowledge the history, contributions and ongoing importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia,” Gordon says.

“I am proud of my Aboriginal heritage, family connections and cultural identity, and I openly share this part of who I am.”

Gordon’s childhood was shaped by the experiences of his father in World War II and says it influenced a lot of his brother’s work with Aboriginal veterans.

“My dad, Henry, served in the Middle East during World War II, he was separated from his unit and listed as missing in action.

“He eventually found his way back and returned home alive – I think that experience reshaped our family’s path.

“My brother John has done a lot of work in this space and became deeply involved in honouring Aboriginal war graves.”

When Gordon’s dad returned home, his family moved to regional Western Australia to various areas across the Wheatbelt and Goldfield regions.

“I grew up in small communities including Kwolyin and later near the rabbit-proof fence at Burracoppin where my father worked.”

Gordon says life was rich in family with an extended network of 14 siblings and relatives meaning there was always support and companionship.

Now, Gordon says many in his family have become highly involved in cultural activities, sport at an elite level and professional careers around Australia and overseas. 

“I record my family’s achievements and preserve these stories for future generations because by sharing these, we are helping to strengthen connections between our communities.

“We have maintained a strong connection to culture while also embracing opportunities in modern Australia.”