My Nana, Jacqui Carter O’Leary Chelsea Bashforth-Harmston | Year 8 I chose to interview my Nana, Jacqui Carter O’Leary, because she is the most passionate family member when it comes to her culture. Q. How old are you? A. I am 53 years old.
Q. Where do you live?
A. I live in Wynnum, Brisbane. Q. Who are your mob?
A. I come from Kamilaroi and Bundjalung mob. Q. What is your totem?
A. My totem is a goanna. Q. What does it mean to you to be Indigenous?
A. It means that I am part of a unique culture and have a special connection with the land and the waters around where I live. Q. Why do you paint?
A. I love to paint to tell my stories through my artworks. Q. What do you paint?
A. My artwork is contemporary Aboriginal art of animals and storytelling that I learnt from my Elders. Q. Do your paintings represent anything; if so, what?
A. Yes, they do. My paintings all tell a story and each one has its own story. I love to paint about my own journey, which has led me to teach many young ones how to paint and learn their path. Q. Why did you become a police officer?
A. I joined the police force to help my mob avoid entering the justice system. I have been involved in the police community for 25 years. Q. What do you do to celebrate NAIDOC week?
A. I attend functions within the community and also assist in planning events with my local community.
10/Mulu Maguydan
