My Nana, Jacqui Carter O’Leary by Chelsea Bashforth-Harmston

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.