Photography Mentor: Warren Taggart

Warren Taggart, also lovingly known as Uncle Warren, is an Aboriginal Elder, respected community leader and a proud Wonnarua man. Uncle Warren has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of his people, and has played a significant role in the local community as a cultural educator and mentor.

Born in the small town of Singleton, in rural New South Wales, Uncle Warren grew up with a deep appreciation for his Aboriginal heritage. His father instilled in him a sense of pride in his culture, and he was taught traditional knowledge including cultural sites, bush medicine, and where to always find water, even in drought.

AS A YOUNG MAN, UNCLE WARREN BECAME INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY AND BEGAN TO SHARE HIS KNOWLEDGE WITH OTHERS.

Over the years, Uncle Warren has become a highly respected cultural educator. He has worked with many organisations and institutions, including schools, universities, and the local community, to promote a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture and history. He has also been involved in various cultural festivals and events, including NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Beyond his tireless work as a cultural educator, Uncle Warren is also a documenter of cultural sites. He has collaborated with photographers Allan Chawner and Carol Carter to produce the book Spirit of Place: Aboriginal Sites of the Hunter Region, including an essay by archaeologist Dr Jillian Huntley, and preface by Professor John Maynard. Allan Chawner taught photography at the University of Newcastle and is well known for his exhibitions in Australia and overseas. Carol Carter, also a photographer and teacher, photographed engraving sites in the early 1980s and worked with the Awabakal Cooperative. Uncle Warren has worked closely with Allan and Carol in the documentation of cultural sites.

The book is a stunning collection of photographs that explore the beauty and cultural significance of the Hunter Valley region. It features more than 200 pages of breathtaking images, accompanied by an insightful essay on the different types of Aboriginal art sites in the region, the range of images, and the techniques used. In Spirit of Place: Aboriginal Sites of the Hunter Region, Uncle Warren provides a unique perspective of the Hunter Valley, drawing on his deep connection to the land and its people. The book captures the rugged terrain and sweeping vistas of the region in exquisite detail, allowing readers to gain a deeper appreciation of the region's rich heritage. The book has received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful artistry, and its contribution to the preservation of Indigenous culture and knowledge. Photographs from the book will form the foundation of an important exhibition of the same name at Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre from June 24 to September 3, 2023.

UNCLE WARREN HAS BEEN RECOGNISED WITH NUMEROUS AWARDS AND ACCOLADES, INCLUDING THE 2016 ELDER (MALE) OF THE YEAR AT THE UPPER HUNTER NAIDOC AWARDS AND 2022 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR IN SINGLETON.

Committed to promoting reconciliation and understanding between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians, he believes that education is the key to breaking down the barriers that exist between these two communities, and that by sharing knowledge and working together we can create a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Uncle Warren is also a role model for many young people in Newcastle and the Hunter. He works with local schools and youth groups to provide an extensive education program on site, including the art traditions and cultural stories of the area.

The most important aspect of the program is its inclusivity of all Australians in the understanding of Aboriginal heritage into the future.

Uncle Warren's work as a cultural educator, a documenter of cultural heritage, and community leader has had a profound impact on the Hunter community and beyond. Through his commitment to sharing knowledge and promoting understanding, his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians alike.

Written by JACK BAILEY

All rock art sites are in the Yengo National Park and surrounding country.

‘Spirit of Place —Aboriginal Sites of the Hunter Region’ by Warren Taggart, Wonnarua Elder and Knowledge Holder

Landscape Photography WARREN TAGGART, ALLAN CHAWNER & CAROL CARTER